Horseradish is September’s Harvest of the Month

Don’t be afraid of this month’s harvest! It sometimes has a bad rap for people that don’t like spice, but when used in the right amount, Horseradish can really jazz up a dish. Horseradish has green leaves and a long white root. It has a very potent, pungent taste, and it can cause a temporary nasally burning sensation. It is typically used in condiments or to add heat to a dish and is a staple that is served with prime rib.

During the month of September, you may find summer squash used more abundantly in a variety of recipes from our cafeterias.

Did You Know?

  • Horseradish and Wasabi have similar flavor profiles, but horseradish is considerably cheaper. So, many Asian restaurants used pureed horseradish dyed green in place of real wasabi
  • Collinsville, Illinois is the self-proclaimed Horseradish capital of the world
  • Horseradish was used medicinally during medieval times in attempt to treat many ailments such as headaches

Try These Delicious Recipes

Horseradish Meatballs
Creamy Horseradish Sauce
Tomato and Horseradish Salad

How to Buy and Store: There are many ways to buy horseradish. Fresh horseradish root comes into season in spring and remains in season throughout the warmer months. However, several groceries stores have fresh horseradish root available year round. The roots are typically about 2 inches long. Look for roots that are firm and free of discolored or soft spots. Once cut, horseradish must be stored in the refrigerator. It lasts for several weeks but will start to lose its pungency within a few days. Many people find they will not use an entire piece of horseradish before it spoils. To avoid waste, you can purchase horseradish in the refrigerated condiment section at most stores.

Making it Kid-Friendly: This is a tough one. Many kids are sensitive to spicy foods. Avoid offering raw, plain horseradish. Horseradish can be introduced as part of a sauce that goes on top of one of your child’s favorite foods. Be sure to introduce something spicy like horseradish in very small quantities and give your child the opportunity to refuse it if he/she would like.

Nutrition and Health Benefits: Like most plants, horseradish has its own unique set or properties that help to ward off cancer. Horseradish contains glucosinolates and isothiocyanates whih inhibit the growth of cancerous cells. Horseradish also contains an antioxidant called sinigrin that helps to prevent free radical damage to our cells. More research is needed to determine how powerful these effects may be. In the mean time, small amounts of horseradish could be considered one part of an overall healthful diet.

Calories: 7Fiber: 0.5g
Total Fat: <1gProtein: <1g
Total Carbohydrate: 2.0g