Daikon Radish

Inventory, 40 lbs : 8.26
This item was last sold on : 10/01/22

• 88 Featured Restaurants

• 29 Recipe Ideas

• 16 ShareMarket®

Description/Taste

Daikon radishes widely range in size, averaging 15 to 60 centimeters in length, and shape, typically having an elongated, cylindrical appearance, but also found in round to oblong forms, depending on the variety. The skin is firm, semi-smooth, and varies from pure white to purple, green and white, to solid red. The root generally feels heavy for its size, a sign that the flesh is plump and not dried out, and is also crisp, aqueous, and dense, containing white, purple, or red hues. Daikon radishes are known for their crunchy, snap-like texture when raw and contain a mild, semi-sweet, and peppery, tangy flavor. Once cooked, the flesh softens to a consistency similar to a potato and develops a neutral flavor. In addition to the roots, Daikon radish leaves are also edible and have a pungent, green, and grassy taste.

Seasons/Availability

Daikon radishes are available year-round, with a peak season in the fall through winter.

Current Facts

Daikon radishes, botanically classified as Raphanus sativus, are a mild-flavored root vegetable belonging to the Brassicaceae family. The name Daikon translates from Japanese to mean “great root” and is a general descriptor used to encompass over 100 different varieties varying in appearance and flavor. Daikon radishes can be grown year-round, but they are primarily considered a winter vegetable widely used in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Indian, and Southeast Asian cuisine. In local markets, the radishes are commonly labeled as Daikon radish, but the roots are also known under Japanese radish, Chinese radish, Winter radish, Long White radish, and Asian radish. Daikon radishes are generally slower growing than spring radish cultivars, but the roots are highly favored for their versatility and mild, sweet, and peppery flavor.

Nutritional Value

Daikon 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 potassium to balance fluid levels and contain lower amounts of phosphorus, copper, calcium, magnesium, and folate. In traditional Asian medicines, Daikon radishes are believed to provide enzymes that assist in the synthesis of starches and fats. The roots are steeped into teas and boiled with seaweed to fight infections, detox the body, and eliminate the harmful buildup within the digestive tract.

Applications

Daikon radishes have a mildly sweet and peppery flavor well suited for raw, cooked, and pickled preparations. The radish can be eaten with or without the skin, and when raw, the flesh can be thinly sliced, chopped, or cubed as a crisp side dish. In Japan, Daikon radishes are often served as a refreshing accompaniment to tempura and other deep-fried dishes as a reprieve from heavier flavors. Fresh slices are also served at the end of meals as a way to improve digestion. In addition to plain servings, Daikon radishes can be mixed into salads and coleslaws, spiralized as a noodle substitute, thinly sliced for sandwiches, layered into spring rolls, or julienned and pickled with other vegetables. Daikon radishes are popularly pickled and fermented into kimchi in Korea, a staple dish utilized as a condiment, side dish, or dip, and pickled radishes are also used as a topping in Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches. Daikon radishes can also be cooked to develop a starchy texture similar to a potato. The flesh can be sliced into stir-fries, steamed as a neutral dish, roasted into chips, simmered in soups, curries, and stews, or braised as a savory vegetable. Daikon radishes are also frequently cooked into small square cakes as a textural component to main dishes. Beyond the roots, Daikon radish leaves are edible and can be tossed into salads, sauteed as a side, or simmered into soups. Daikon radishes pair well with herbs such as coriander, mint, dill, and thyme, carrots, mushrooms, peanuts, and meats, including beef, pork, duck, poultry, and fish. Whole, uncut Daikon radishes will keep 1 to 2 weeks when wrapped in newspaper or plastic and stored in the refrigerator. Once cooked, the radish pieces will keep 3 to 7 days, and the leaves will keep up to 3 days in the fridge. Daikon radishes can also be blanched and frozen for extended use for up to one month.

Ethnic/Cultural Info

Daikon radishes are one of the most cultivated vegetables in Japan and are viewed as a purifying food to detox the body and stimulate digestion. The mild radishes are frequently incorporated into everyday meals, but Daikon radishes are also used in Buddst religious practices to cleanse the body. The Matsuchiyama Shoden Temple is a sub-temple of the Sensoji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest temple, and is one of the few Buddhist sites that accept Daikon radishes as offerings. In the main temple building, Daikon radishes are incorporated into the intricate designs seen on the walls, and there is frequently a large pile of Daikon radishes placed in front of the altar as offerings from visitors. Daikon radishes symbolize purity and are used as offerings in hopes of maintaining health. During the winter, the temple holds Daikon Matsuri, an annual event where Daikon radishes are cooked and served to visitors as a cleansing ritual. The event is a time of being thankful for health, and parishioners serve the boiled radishes to visitors as a practice to remove impurities, toxins, and prevent future disease.

Geography/History

Daikon radishes are believed to be native to the Mediterranean and coastal regions along the Black Sea. The mild roots were introduced to Asia through trade routes in ancient times and were estimated to have arrived in China sometime around 500 BCE and later in Japan. Daikon radishes became widely cultivated throughout Japan during the Edo period and were planted on farmland as a long-storing vegetable utilized during seasons of famine. Over time, Daikon radishes were intertwined into the traditional diets of many different Asian cultures, and the versatile root is still a staple ingredient found throughout Asia and Southeast Asia. Daikon radishes are also cultivated worldwide and are primarily sold through specialty grocers, select supermarkets, Asian ocers, and farmer’s markets.

Featured Restaurants

Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.

Shootz Fish X Beer	Oceanside CA	978-290-6914
Food Made Fresh	Carlsbad CA	805-341-0149
Kitchens For Good	San Diego CA	619-450-4040
Fish 101	Encinitas CA	760-943-6221
La Jolla Country Club	San Diego CA	858-454-9601
Hotel Palomar-Salt Box Banquets	San Diego CA	619-515-3003
The Switchboard Restaurant and Bar	Oceanside CA	442-266-2781
Bang Bang 2021	San Diego CA	619-382-8938
The Islander	Coronado CA	619-522-6890
Del Mar Country Club	Rancho Santa Fe CA	858-759-5500 x207
Wonderland Ocean Pub	San Diego CA	619-255-3358
Huntress	San Diego CA	619-955-5750
Rollin Roots-Miramar	San Diego CA	951-259-3836
Cove House	La Jolla CA	858-999-0034
C 2 C	San Diego CA	619-972-9345
Home and Away Encinitas	Encinitas CA	619-886-1358
Bali Hai Restaurant	San Diego CA	619-222-1181
Animae	San Diego CA	619-925-7908
Chef Lance Roll	Vista CA	760-685-2433
Great Maple Hillcrest	San Diego CA	619-255-2282

the other 68...

Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe	Rancho Santa Fe CA	858-759-6063
Sycuan Casino	El Cajon CA	619-445-6002
Communal Coffee - Oceanside	Oceanside CA	619-920-7887
Loving Hut	San Diego CA	619-855-5674
JRDN Restaurant	San Diego CA	858-270-5736
Bahia Resort Hotel	San Diego CA	858-488-0551
Cloak and Petal	San Diego CA	619-634-3970
Craft House Sky Deck	San Diego CA	619-948-4458
Panama 66	San Diego CA	619-206-6352
Weapon MO8	San Diego CA	619-883-8525
Mikami	San Diego CA	619-780-0974
Milk Organics	Vista CA	760-504-8019
Vivant Management	San Diego CA	619-885-3718
Golden Door	San Marcos CA	760-761-4142
Sushi Nekosan	La Jolla CA	858-999-0999
The Compass	Carlsbad CA	760-434-1900
KI's	Encinitas CA	760-586-8289
Paradisaea Restaurant	La Jolla CA	732-915-6669
Landons East Meets West	San Marcos CA	760-304-4560
Smoke and Salt	Encinitas CA	760-815-9827
Pacific Cafe & Catering (Medical Cntr Dr.)	La Jolla CA	619-808-4087
Miho	San Diego CA	619-365-5655
Lodge at Torrey Pines Main	San Diego CA	858-453-4420
Eco Caters Organics	San Diego CA	619-997-8792
Sovereign Thai Cuisine	San Diego CA	619-887-2000
Weapon LPM	San Diego CA	619-564-2618
La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club	San Diego CA	858-454-7126
Rancho Valencia	Del Mar CA	858-756-1123
Coronado Yacht Club	Coronado CA	619-435-1848
Farmer and The Seahorse	San Diego CA	619-302-3682
ZAMA Bar & Restaurant	San Diego CA	619-595-1450
MishMash	San Diego CA	760-822-1097
Continental Catering Inc	La Mesa CA	907-738-9264
Urban Kitchen Catering	San Diego CA	619-276-8803
Social Tap	San Diego CA	619-398-8938
Duke's La Jolla	La Jolla CA	858-454-1999
Wormwood	San Diego CA	619-573-0289
Beaumont's	San Diego CA	858-459-0474
Great Maple La Jolla UTC	San Diego CA	858-886-7403
Saffron Thai LLC	San Diego CA	619-574-7737
Harvest Kitchen (Corp Lunch)	Vista CA	619-709-0938
San Diego Yacht Club	San Diego CA	619-758-6334
Home & Away - Old Town	San Diego CA	619-886-1358
White Rice LPM	San Diego CA	619-564-2618
Alila Marea Beach Resort	Encinitas CA	805-539-9719
Belmont Park Cannonball	San Diego CA	858-228-9283
Now Sushi	San Diego CA	858-246-6179
Monarch	Del Mar CA	619-308-6500
Hoxton Manor LLC	San Diego CA	760-586-9533
Top of the Market	San Diego CA	619-234-4867
Javier Plascencia	Bonita CA	619-295-3172
Sandpiper Wood Fired Grill & Oysters	La Jolla CA	858-228-5655
Pendry SD (Pool House)	San Diego CA	619-738-7000
Communal Coffee	San Diego CA	619-305-9525
Vi At La Jolla Village	San Diego CA	858-646-7700
Green Acres Campus 2020	San Diego CA	858-450-9907
Burning Beard	El Cajon CA	619-884-4716
Wrench and Rodent	Oceanside CA	760-840-1976
AToN Center Inc.	Encinitas CA	858-759-5017
Tribute Pizza	San Diego CA	858-220-0030
Park Hyatt Aviara	Carlsbad CA	760-448-1234
Tahona (Kitchen)	San Diego CA	619-573-0289
Saiko Sushi-Coronado	Coronado CA	619-435-0868
Thai One On	Carlsbad CA	760-500-8674
Pamplemousse Grill	Solana Beach CA	858-792-9090
Pendry SD (Lion Fish)	San Diego CA	619-738-7000
Cal A Vie	Vista CA	760-945-2055
Semola	La Jolla CA	858-247-9670

Recipe Ideas

Recipes that include Daikon Radish. One

is easiest, three is harder.

The Woks Of Life		Turnip Cake
bella bonito		Spring Salad with Carrot Miso Dressing
Cooking on the Weekends		Spicy Roasted Daikon French Fry
Steamy Kitchen		Chinese Daikon and Carrot Soup
Edible Marin & Wine Country		Soba Dashi
Witten Kitchen		Sword Leaf with Coconut, Curry Cashew, Carrots, Apple and Radish
Kyoyasai Kyoto		Steamed Kintoki Carrots and Tilefish
The Austin Gastronomist		Daikon Radish Dip
Simply So Healthy		Low-Carb Homefries
Pickled Plum		Soy Daikon Bites with Melted Cheese

the other 19...

Tasting Table		Traditional Braised Daikon
The Woks Of Life		Spicy Meatball Banh Mi
No Recipes		PICKLED CARROTS AND DAIKON (KOHAKU NAMASU)
Platings and Pairings		Daikon Radish Salad
Beyond Kimchee		Apple Pear Radish Salad
Umami Holiday		Korean Pickled Radishes and Jalapenos
Cooking And Beer		Breakfast Banh Mi with Bacon and Curry Aioli
The Global Girl		Raw Healing Probiotic Noodle Soup
Your Lighter Side		Daikon Au Gratin
Food In Jars		Homemade Kimchi
No Bun Please		Crispy Daikon Fries
Barefeet in the Kitchen		Overnight Daikon Radish Pickles
Food 52		Miso Beef Burgers with Daikon Oroshi
Just One Cookbook		Namasu (Daikon and Carrot Salad)
Beyond Kimchee		Radish Pancake
E.A.T.		Daikon Radish Chips
Cookie and Kate		No Noodle Pad Thai
Kimchimari		Korean Rice Bowl with Sashimi - Hoedeopbap
Gourmande in the Kitchen		Daikon Rolls with Cilantro Pumpkin Seed Pesto

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