Watermelon Radish
Inventory, 25 lbs : 6.86
This item was last sold on : 10/07/24
Description/Taste
Watermelon radishes are a small to medium-size varietal, averaging 5 to 8 centimeters in diameter, and have a round to oval appearance with a single hairy taproot extending from the root’s base. The radish’s skin is semi-thin, smooth, and taut, generally appearing in shades of ivory, and is lightly blushed with pink hues, especially on the taproot. The roots may also have green shoulders, indicating the presence of chlorophyll due to exposure to sunlight. Underneath the surface, the flesh has a ring of white just below the skin, transitioning to bright pink, fuchsia, or magenta center. The coloring will vary in each radish depending on cultivation practices, growing environment, and soil type. The flesh also has a firm, dense, succulent, and tender texture with a crisp, snap-like consistency. Watermelon radishes should feel heavy for their size and have a subtly sweet, mild, and peppery flavor. Radishes cultivated in cooler climates will typically be less spicy, while ones grown in hotter climates may develop a more intense flavor with a dry, pithy feel. In addition to the radishes, Watermelon radish greens are edible, containing a vegetal, green, earthy, and peppery flavor. The leaves can be used raw or lightly cooked.
Seasons/Availability
Watermelon radishes are available year-round, with peak seasons in the early spring and winter.
Current Facts
Watermelon radishes, botanically classified as Raphanus sativus, are a brightly colored variety belonging to the Brassicaceae family. The small roots are native to Asia and were spread worldwide for their unusual, pigmented flesh. Watermelon radishes were named for their bright pink, watermelon-like coloring. It is important to note that the radishes only resemble watermelon flesh in appearance and do not share similar flavor profiles. Throughout history, Watermelon radishes have been rebranded several times using marketing names, including Beauty Heart, Red Meat radishes, and Rose Heart radish, and the roots are commercially produced and grown as a home garden cultivar. Radish enthusiasts favor watermelon radishes for their mild, peppery flavor, versatility in fresh and cooked preparations, and physical appearance, providing contrast, texture, and color to culinary dishes. Home gardeners also value the plants as the leaves and roots are edible, providing a zero-waste ingredient.
Nutritional Value
Watermelon radishes are an excellent source of vitamin C to strengthen the immune system, reduce inflammation, and boost collagen production within the skin. The roots are also a good source of calcium to build strong bones and teeth, potassium to balance fluid levels, vitamin A to maintain healthy organ functioning, and contain lower amounts of phosphorus, copper, magnesium, vitamin K, zinc, and folate.
Applications
Watermelon radishes have a mild, subtly sweet, and peppery flavor well suited for fresh and cooked preparations. The radishes can be consumed with or without the skin, depending on preference and recipe, but it is important to note that the skin and outer layers of the flesh are generally the spiciest part of the root. Some recipes have noted soaking radishes in ice water for twenty minutes to reduce the peppery nuances. Watermelon radishes are favored as a salad ingredient to showcase their bright coloring and are added to grain bowls, charcuterie boards, or shredded into slaws. The roots can be sliced with a mandolin and layered on bite-sized crackers with dip, added onto sandwiches with butter and salt, chopped into eggs rolls, or served alongside sushi and other fresh dishes as an edible garnish. In addition to raw preparations, Watermelon radishes can be pickled and incorporated as tangy crunch in tacos, side salads, burgers, rice dishes, and poultry or fish plates. The radishes can also be simmered into soups, stir-fries, curries, stews, and pot roasts, baked into a gratin, roasted with other root vegetables, or sliced and fried into chips. Cooking Watermelon radishes will enhance the root’s natural sweetness, and the radishes absorb accompanying flavors, contributing flavor and texture to dishes. The roots are also used in seafood dishes in Asia to help balance marine-like flavors. Beyond radishes, the plants can be grown for their leafy tops, incorporated into stir-fries, soups, salads, and main dishes. Watermelon radishes pair well with cheeses such as feta, blue, and chèvre, herbs including mint, cilantro, and tarragon, fennel, cucumbers, cabbage, carrots, kale, arugula, jicama, and parsnips. Whole, unwashed Watermelon radishes will keep for a couple of weeks when stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Watermelon radishes are known in China as “Xin Li Mei” or “Shinrimei,” translating to mean “beauty in the heart” or “beautiful heart.” This descriptor was given in honor of the fruit’s pale skin and unique fuchsia internal coloring. Watermelon radishes are a favored variety in China for their vibrant flesh. The radishes are used to create ornately carved garnishes, and the roots are typically served raw to showcase the flesh coloring. Watermelon radishes are a popular snack in Beijing and are traditionally consumed peeled and dipped into a sweet bean sauce. The radishes are also served with zha jiang mian, or fried sauce noodles, a famous noodle dish in China, especially in Beijing. The dish is widely made across Beijing, found on menus through street vendors to fine dining establishments, and is comprised of flat noodles, ground pork, and mushrooms sauteed in a sweet bean and soy sauce. Watermelon radishes are served with the cooked noodle dish as a raw side accompaniment. The radishes can be mixed into the dish, used to scrape up any remaining sauce, or consumed as a palate refresher.
Geography/History
Watermelon radishes are native to China and are believed to be a type of daikon radish. Daikon radishes were introduced from the Mediterranean to China sometime around 500 BCE, and while most of the history of Watermelon radishes is unknown, experts believe the variety originated near Beijing. Watermelon radishes were later brought to the United States and were sold under the new name Red Meat radish in seed catalogs. Over time, the variety’s name was changed again to Beauty Heart and later Watermelon radish, a marketing term used to appeal to a broader consumer base. Today Watermelon radishes are available commercially and in home gardens in regions worldwide and are found in the United States, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Morning Glory | San Diego CA | 619-629-0302 |
| Fish 101 Cardiff | Cardiff CA | 619-753-7139 |
| Plant Based Meals | San Diego CA | 858-255-0590 |
| Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-759-6063 |
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| El Sueno | San Diego CA | 619-972-6286 |
| The Monsaraz | San Diego CA | 858-760-6228 |
| Wolf In the Woods | San Diego CA | 619-851-7275 |
| The Shout House | San Diego CA | 619-231-6700 |
| Extraordinary Desserts | San Diego CA | 619-294-2132 |
| The Place Catering | San Diego CA | 858-549-7000 |
| Continental Catering Inc | La Mesa CA | 907-738-9264 |
| Catania La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-551-5105 |
| Terra Restaurant | San Diego CA | 619-293-7088 |
| Mavericks Beach Club | San Diego CA | 858-999-0348 |
| Hotel Indigo | San Diego CA | 619-295-3172 |
| Inn at Rancho Santa Fe | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-381-8289 |
| Fairmont Grand Del Mar | San Diego CA | 858-314-1975 |
| San Diego Mixology | San Diego CA | 858-945-8687 |
| Dija Mara 2021 | Oceanside CA | 760-231-5376 |
| Pizza Cassette | San Diego CA | 802-310-5601 |
| Sugar and Scribe | La Jolla CA | 858-274-1733 |
| Harumama Noodles & Buns (Vista) | Vista CA | 858-886-9909 |
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| Hash House A Go Go | San Diego CA | 951-764-0605 |
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| Valley View Casino & Hotel | Valley Center CA | 760-291-5500 |
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| Jeune Et Jolie | Carlsbad CA | 858-231-0862 |
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| Lodge at Torrey Pines Grill | San Diego CA | 858-453-4420 |
| Pamplemousse Grill | Solana Beach CA | 858-792-9090 |
| Better Buzz Coffee (La Jolla) | La Jolla CA | 619-269-4022 |
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| Marisi La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 951-852-6730 |
| Town & Country San Diego | San Diego CA | 619-291-7131 |
| Lofty Coffee Co.-Carlsbad State St | Carlsbad CA | 760-230-6747 |
| Farmers Bottega | San Diego CA | 619-306-8963 |
| Four Seasons Residence Club | Carlsbad CA | 760-603-6360 |
| Bali Hai Restaurant | San Diego CA | 619-222-1181 |
| Savory Moment (1) | El Cajon CA | 619-633-8863 |
| Lofty Coffee Co- W. Cedar | San Diego CA | 760-230-6747 ex. 4 |
| Sunday Breakfast Society | Chula Vista CA | 619-852-5633 |
| Cody's La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-459-0040 |
| Birds Eye (La Jolla) | La Jolla CA | 513-549-0974 |
| Viewpoint Brewing Co. | Del Mar CA | 858-205-9835 |
| Sheraton La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-453-5500 |
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| Extraordinary Desserts Union St. | San Diego CA | 619-294-7001 |
| Mothership | San Diego CA | 858-342-3609 |
| Giaola | Carlsbad CA | 858-266-9303 |
| The Smoking Goat | San Diego CA | 858-232-4220 |
| The Kitchen at MCASD | La Jolla CA | 619-894-2051 |
| The Santaluz Club Inc - Main Club Beverage | San Diego CA | 858-759-3150 |
| Il Sogno Italiano | San Diego CA | 619-380-2652 |
| Coast Catering | Escondido CA | 619-295-3173 |
| Lofty Coffee Co-Carlsbad | Carlsbad CA | 415-218-1535 |
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| Side Bar | San Diego CA | 619-348-6138 |
| Urban Kitchen Catering | San Diego CA | 619-276-8803 |
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| Prey Brewing Company | Vista CA | 760-822-4226 |
| Catering Solutions | Chula Vista CA | 619-957-1162 |
| Local Tap House & Kitchen | Oceanside CA | 760-547-1469 |
| Harvest Kitchen | Vista CA | 619-709-0938 |
| Zel's Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-755-0076 |
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| Harumama Noodles & Buns (Carlsbad) | Carlsbad CA | 760-637-5737 |
| Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-756-1582 |
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| San Diego Yacht Club | San Diego CA | 619-758-6334 |
| La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club | San Diego CA | 619-816-8319 |
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| Sheraton Carlsbad (7 Mile) | Carlsbad CA | 760-827-2400 |
| Farmer and The Seahorse | San Diego CA | 619-302-3682 |
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| Harumama Sushi & Ramen (Ocean Beach) | San Diego CA | 858-886-9909 |
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| Spirit of Adventure Sportfishing | San Diego CA | 619-454-9711 |
| The Tavern | Coronado CA | 602-628-5890 |
| Davanti Enoteca Little Italy | San Diego CA | 619-237-9606 |
| Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center | National City CA | 619-434-4281 |
| Sheraton Carlsbad (20/20) | Carlsbad CA | 760-827-2400 |
| Blue Ocean La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-999-0323 |
| Craft and Commerce (Sekscobra Inc.) | San Diego CA | 619-962-5935 |
| Kettner Exchange Bar | San Diego CA | 909-915-9877 |
| Marriott Coronado | Coronado CA | 619-435-3000 x6335 |
| Mission Bay Beach Club | San Diego CA | 858-201-7551 |
| Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District | El Cajon CA | 619-644-7585 |
| Harumama Noodles & Buns (Encinitas) | Encinitas CA | 858-886-9909 |
| Toast Cafe | San Diego CA | 858-208-9422 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Watermelon Radish. One
is easiest, three is harder.