Daikon Radish – All You Need to Know | Instacart Guide to Fresh Produce

What is daikon radish?

Daikon radish is a root vegetable. It’s also known as white radish, winter radish, oilseed, Japanese radish, luobo, icicle radish, and Chinese radish. This particular type of radish is popular in Asian cuisines and resembles a big white carrot. Daikon radish is usually eaten cooked, raw, or pickled. The roots and leaves are edible, and it comes in different varieties.

For example, the Cantonese lobak or lo pack is usually light green at the top of the root near the leaves.

The Korean variety is called mu and has the same green color but with hints of white coloration. The mu is rounder and shorter than the daikon radishes we see here in the United States.

The more colorful Chinese variety is called the watermelon radish. It’s usually round or oval and has a dull, light green color on the outside and a bright pink color on the inside.

Where did daikon radish originate from?

Daikon radish originates from Southeast or East Asia. In Japanese, it means “big root.”

It’s originally from the Mediterranean and Black Sea coasts, but they reached Japan by the third or fourth century. Initially, people only ate the green tops. The radish leaves have been included as one of the nanakusa, the seven herbs traditionally eaten in rice porridge in January, as a wish for health and longevity during the year ahead.

The root of the daikon radish became widely cultivated during the early Muromachi Period between 1392–1573.

These days, the daikon radish is used with rich, oily fishes, such as mackerel, but it’s also used on hamburgers, steaks, and other meats.

What are the benefits of eating daikon radish?

Daikon radish has plenty of benefits. For one, it’s a good source of minerals, like calcium, potassium, and magnesium.

Daikon radish is a low-calorie vegetable (with only 61 calories per 12oz). It also contains 2g of protein, 5g of fiber, and 124% of the daily value of vitamin C. Vitamin C is a nutrient essential to your health and helps with immune system function and tissue growth and repair. It also acts as a powerful antioxidant that protects your body’s cells from oxidative damage.

Daikon radishes also a great source of copper and folate. Folate is a B vitamin that aids in cellular growth, DNA synthesis, and red blood cell production. Foods with lots of folates are great for expectant mothers because it plays an important role in the growth and development of a baby.

With protective plant compounds that can help improve health and protect against certain diseases, daikon radishes may help with heart disease, diabetes, certain cancers, and neurodegenerative conditions.

It may also promote weight loss because it’s a low-calorie, high-fiber, and non-starchy vegetable. Research has shown that eating non-starchy vegetables can promote a healthy body weight by increasing fullness and slowing digesting.

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How is daikon radish grown?

You can grow daikon radishes at home. To do that, plant the seeds in the summer or early fall for a winter harvest, or roughly 2 months before the first frost date. Daikon radish is usually used in agriculture as tillage because it leaves behind a soil cavity for crops like potatoes. It also adds nutrients back into the earth.

When is daikon radish in season?

The daikon radish is in season in the winter, and you can find them at grocery stores and some farmer’s markets. It’s usually sold loose by the pound, but it’s available all year long.

What should I look for when buying daikon radish?

Daikon can be found in most supermarkets, especially grocery stores that cater to Japanese or Chinese populations or fancier grocery stores.

Find daikon radishes that are heavy for their size and ones that have an even and smooth white surface. They should also have a mild smell and fresh, green leaves. If leaves are limp, soft, and sprinkled with wrinkles, avoid them.

If you are looking to have your groceries delivered, you can easily shop for daikon radish via Instacart. After adding a product to your cart, use the “Instructions” option to notify your Instacart shopper about any preferences or specific directions on how to choose the best products. Shop for daikon radish.

How to store daikon radish

If you bought your daikon radish with the leaves still attached, remove them and store them separately if you plan on eating them. Unwashed, the root will stay fresh for 1 to 2 weeks if it’s wrapped in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. The leaves will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

When cut up and raw, daikon radish will stay the freshest, but it might let off a strong odor that other veggies can absorb in your fridge.

Blanched, daikon radish can be stored in the freezer for up to a month. And cooked, it’ll stay fresh for a few days as long as it’s in an airtight container. If you pickle it, daikon radish can be kept for up to 3 weeks.

How to tell if daikon radish is bad

You’ll know if daikon radish is bad by checking the texture. It usually has a crunchy, firm texture. So if they feel soft and mushy, you might want to chuck ‘em in the trash.

Another way to tell if they’re bad is to smell them. While they don’t normally have an aroma, they’ll have a funky smell coming from them. If it smells bad, it probably is.

Finally, you’ll know daikon radish is bad if you see any mold growing in it.

What can I substitute for daikon radish?

Don’t have daikon radish, but already started prepping for your meal? Not to worry. You can substitute daikon radish with red radish. You can also use horseradish if you want that same spicy, pungent flavor.

Choosing the best daikon radish

Since you know what to look for now and how nutritious it is, use the above information as a guide when shopping for the best daikon radish. Don’t have time to shop? Get your fresh produce delivered with Instacart using same-day delivery, and you can have groceries at your door in just a few hours!

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