Mini root vegetables with good nutritional values: radishes
Whether raw in a salad or as a topping on bread, grated in a dip or quark, radishes are ideal accompaniments to a wide variety of dishes. But even when steamed, these small, spicy root vegetables go perfectly with warm dishes. Find out in this article what nutritional valuesradishes contain and how they stay fresh for longer.
Storage time*
| BioFresh Fruit & Vegetable safe just above 0 °C with high humidity | 10 days |
| EasyFresh safe 7 °C with air regulation plate | 3 days |
| Fridge compartment 7 °C | 2 days |
| Freezer compartment -18 °C | not recommended |
The key points
- Radishes probably originate from China or the Mediterranean region and were already known to the ancient Greeks and Romans.
- Radishes contain high levels of vitamin C, fibre and antioxidants, which strengthen the immune system and aid digestion.
- A handful of radishes has only about 19 calories and is ideal for a healthy diet.
- It is advisable to cut off the green tops of radishes before storing them.
The origin of healthy radishes full of nutrients
Radishes have long been a popular vegetable in many parts of the world due to their nutrients, and their exact origin is unclear. However, it is believed that they were originally cultivated in China or the Mediterranean region. Radishes were also known to the ancient Greeks and Romans and were used as medicine. Over the centuries, cultivation spread throughout Europe and other parts of the world, becoming an important part of many cuisines. Today, the root vegetable is available in many different varieties and colours, from red to white and from round to elongated. They are often served raw in salads or as a side dish, but are also cooked or used in sour dishes.
Although radishes may appear small and “harmless” at first glance, they have quite a kick. But why is it the case that they sometimes taste sharp and sometimes less so? Mustard oils are responsible for the sharpness, which, depending on how long the small radishes are exposed to the sun, give them a milder or sharper taste.
Preserving the nutritional value of radishes for longer
Radishes are healthy because they are rich in vitamin C, fibre and antioxidants. Vitamin C strengthens the immune system and helps the body build healthy bones and teeth. The fibre they contain can help improve digestion and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Antioxidants in radishes protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and may reduce the risk of certain types of cancer. What’s more, a handful of radishes contain only 19 calories and, thanks to their nutritional value, can therefore be a healthy addition to a balanced diet.
It is advisable to cut off the green tops of radishes before storing them. That’s because: after harvesting, the leaves wilt after about two days and then draw moisture from the radishes, making them unattractive, shrivelled and soft. It is best to store radishes in the fridge, where they will remain fresh for up to two days in the regular fridge compartment. The BioFresh freshness compartment in your Liebherr fridge extends the storage time by up to eight days. However, radishes are not suitable for freezing. They lose their freshness, become wilted and are no longer crisp after thawing.
*All specifications given are to be considered as guideline values, and depend in each case on the type of food and on the proper storage without interruption of the cold chain from harvest/production through to the Liebherr appliance. Should food products have information about minimum shelf life, the date on the packaging always applies.
