Is horseradish a kind of radish? The word radish is in the name, so it would make sense. But are these two vegetables related to one another in any way?
The Short Answer:
No, radish and horseradish are two completely different plants.
The Long Answer:
What’s in a name?
Clearly, not a lot. Take horseradish for example. Its name is composed of two root words: horse and radish.
We know that there’s no horse in this plant, and there’s also no radish whatsoever. I think because of its confusing name, a lot of people believe that horseradish is some offshoot brand of radish, like the daikon radish. That’s not the case at all.
Both horseradish and radish are a part of the same family of vegetables. They both belong to the Brassicaceae family. However, they are totally different species. It’s like how humans and gorillas are both primates, but we’re not the same animal.
The scientific name of horseradish is Armoracia Rusticana. The common radish is called Raphanus sativus. Two completely different names for two completely different plants.
Both horseradish and radish are considered root vegetables. By that I mean they are picked primarily for their roots, much like a carrot or onion. The leaves of both plants are edible, but we’re mostly concerned with their meaty roots.
Both of these vegetables also have health benefits that many don’t think about. Most members of the Brassicaceae family contain a cancer-fighting compound called sulforaphane. Some other members of that family which also carry this compound are broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and kale. So, while horseradish does have this in common with radishes, it also has this in common with broccoli and a wealth of other family members.
In terms of flavor, they’re quite different. A freshly picked radish can be eaten as is. Its taste is hot and spicy with a lovely crispiness. Horseradish has a powerful spicy sinus-clearing taste that you can feel all throughout your head. Horseradish is often consumed as “prepared horseradish” which is ground horseradish root mixed with vinegar and sometimes salt and sugar. When prepared horseradish is combined with other ingredients like corn syrup, cornstarch, egg yolks, and lemon, it can be turned into a creamy horseradish sauce.
Did you think that horseradish and radishes were the same thing? Which of these vegetables do you prefer? Sound off in the comments below and let us know!
FAQs
Horseradish has a very distinct and spicy taste that is not common in radishes. That's because horseradish is not a radish at all. It shares the same plant family as radishes, but that's where the similarities end. Horseradish is a completely different species from all forms of radish, including daikon.
Is horseradish and radishes in the same family? ›
All in the Family
Radishes are members of the Brassicaceae (mustard or cabbage) family. The root is related to kale, broccoli, cauliflower, and horseradish, among others.
Is black radish the same as horseradish? ›
Prepared in just a few minutes, black radishes have a spicy taste and are usually consumed raw. Black radishes should not be confused with horseradish. They are rich in fiber. They are spicy but easy to digest.
Why is horseradish called horse? ›
Many believe the English mispronounced the German word “meer” and began calling it “mareradish.” Eventually it became known as horseradish. The word “horse” (as applied in “horseradish”) is believed to denote large size and coarseness. “Radish” comes from the Latin radix meaning root.
Can I use radish instead of horseradish? ›
Daikon and black radish are great swaps for fresh, raw grated horseradish, though they aren't as fiery and will yield a milder, juicier end product. Because of this, use twice as much daikon or radish as horseradish, though it will still be milder than horseradish.
Can you eat horseradish as a vegetable? ›
It is similar in flavor to wasabi, which is used as a common sushi garnish. Horseradish stands out from other vegetables due to its strong, biting flavor. While you won't get your full day's vegetable intake from eating horseradish alone, it will add flair to any dish you make with it.
Why is horseradish not vegan? ›
Although horseradish itself is vegan, the sauces made from it normally contain cream and sometimes egg. Follow Your Heart makes a dairy- and egg-free version, and you can easily make vegan horseradish sauce at home.
What vegetable is similar to horseradish? ›
Black Radishes - These root vegetables, recognized by their distinctive black skin, impart a spicy flavor almost identical to fresh horseradish root. Just grate some fresh black radishes in place of horseradish.
Does horseradish go bad? ›
Prepared horseradish starts out a creamy white color and, as it ages, the color darkens to brown and loses its potency. That's when it's time to get a new bottle. The horseradish experts recommend buying the smallest jar you can use up before it starts turning color.
What is horseradish called in Italy? ›
Horseradish is also known as cren – it's a root that grows wild in the hilly and mountainous areas of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines.
Wasabi is similar in many ways to common horseradish. In fact, wasabi is sometimes even referred to as Japanese horseradish. And in Japan, horseradish is known as seiyō wasabi – or western wasabi.
Is a parsnip a radish? ›
Parsnips (Pastinaca sativa) are a white root vegetable with an oblong, conical, pointed shape. In terms of taste, parsnips are richer and earthier than carrots and free of the overpowering bitter root vegetable flavor that radishes and raw turnips have. Parsnips are high in fiber, potassium, and vitamins C and E.
Is horseradish bad for your stomach? ›
Horseradish is generally safe. If eaten as a condiment in large quantities, this spicy root may irritate your mouth, nose, or stomach. Taking small quantities when using this condiment or supplement is best. Should you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical help immediately.
What is horseradish called in France? ›
Horseradish, known in French as “raifort”, is particularly loved in the Alsace-Lorraine Region, where people enjoy it to accompany charcuteries, a pot-au-feu (stew) and of course the famous Choucroute garnie (“dressed sauerkraut”).
Why is horseradish called wasabi? ›
In Japanese, hon-wasabi (pictured above) refers to the wasabi plant that is native to Japan, while seiyo-wasabi (pictured below) is the word for horseradish which is from Europe (sometimes also called wasabi-daikon). Japanese native wasabi is the real deal, but being cheaper, European horseradish is used to create ...
What is real horseradish made of? ›
Prepared horseradish is a condiment made from the large, white root of the horseradish plant, which is in the same family as mustard and wasabi; it is a cousin of broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussel sprouts. The leaves are also edible. It can be grown in your garden as a perennial in hardiness zones 2 through 9.
Can I eat raw horseradish? ›
You can eat horseradish raw, pickled, or cooked, but it is most often added as a condiment to sauces. Horseradish is at its strongest and most biting when it is freshly grated.
