Daikon Radish

Inventory, 40 lbs : 3.63
This item was last sold on : 02/04/23

• 87 Featured Restaurants

• 29 Recipe Ideas

• 18 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 Buddhist 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 grocers, and farmer’s markets.

Featured Restaurants

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

Now Sushi	San Diego CA	858-246-6179
Burning Beard	El Cajon CA	619-884-4716
Smoke and Salt	Encinitas CA	760-815-9827
MCRD-Marine Corps Recruit Dept	San Diego CA	619-725-6478
The Bier Garden	Encinitas CA	760-632-2437
Weapon LPM	San Diego CA	619-564-2618
Oscars Brewing Company	Temecula CA	619-695-2422
Bishop School	San Diego CA	858-459-4021
Communal Coffee	San Diego CA	619-305-9525
MishMash	San Diego CA	760-822-1097
Pendry SD (Lion Fish)	San Diego CA	619-738-7000
The Switchboard Restaurant and Bar	Oceanside CA	442-266-2781
La Costa Resort & Spa Main Kitchen	Carlsbad CA	760-930-7063
Saiko Sushi-North Park	San Diego CA	619-886-6656
Animae	San Diego CA	619-925-7908
Saiko Sushi-Coronado	Coronado CA	619-435-0868
Fairplay	San Diego CA	303-870-0065
Park Hyatt Aviara (Ember & Rye)	Carlsbad CA	760-448-1234
Berry Good Food Foundation	La Jolla CA	619-666-1633
JRDN Restaurant	San Diego CA	858-270-5736

the other 67...

Coast Catering	Escondido CA	619-295-3173
Wolf In the Woods	San Diego CA	619-851-7275
White Rice LPM	San Diego CA	619-564-2618
619 Spirits	San Diego CA	619-647-4409
Lime in the Coconut	Chula Vista CA	619-820-0961
Cal A Vie	Vista CA	760-945-2055
La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club	San Diego CA	858-454-7126
Javier Plascencia	Bonita CA	619-295-3172
Temaki	Encinitas CA	702-489-2129
Huntress	San Diego CA	619-955-5750
Lumi	San Diego CA	619-955-5750
Saffron Thai LLC	San Diego CA	619-574-7737
Cutwater Spirits	San Diego CA	619-672-3848
Park Commons - ARE	San Diego CA	619-295-3172
Weapon MO8	San Diego CA	619-883-8525
Duke's La Jolla	La Jolla CA	858-454-1999
Bahia Resort Hotel	San Diego CA	858-488-0551
US Grant Hotel Main	San Diego CA	619-232-3121
Luce	San Diego CA	619-275-2094
Monarch	Del Mar CA	619-308-6500
Fairmont Grand Del Mar	San Diego CA	858-314-1975
Farmer and The Seahorse	San Diego CA	619-302-3682
Craft House Sky Deck	San Diego CA	619-948-4458
Park Hyatt Aviara	Carlsbad CA	760-448-1234
Thai One On	Carlsbad CA	760-500-8674
Wonderland Ocean Pub	San Diego CA	619-255-3358
Pacific Cafe & Catering (Medical Cntr Dr.)	La Jolla CA	619-808-4087
Top of the Market	San Diego CA	619-234-4867
Humphery's	San Diego CA	619-224-3577
Under Belly-Little Italy Kitchen	San Diego CA	619-269-4626
Avant	San Diego CA	858-675-8505
Panama 66	San Diego CA	619-206-6352
Kingfisher	San Diego CA	619-861-8074
AToN Center Inc.	Encinitas CA	858-759-5017
Tahona (Bar)	San Diego CA	619-573-0289
Botanica	San Diego CA	619-310-6320
Farm Fresh Meals	Vista CA	760-707-2383
Beaumont's	San Diego CA	858-459-0474
The Plot	Oceanside CA	422-266-8200
Continental Catering Inc	La Mesa CA	907-738-9264
Jake's Del Mar	Del Mar CA	858-755-2002
InterContinental Vistal Kitchen	San Diego CA	619-501-9400
The Joint	San Diego CA	619-222-8272
Loving Hut	San Diego CA	619-855-5674
Peohes	Coronado CA	619-437-4474
Sushi Nekosan	La Jolla CA	858-999-0999
Sandpiper Wood Fired Grill & Oysters	La Jolla CA	858-228-5655
Bali Hai Restaurant	San Diego CA	619-222-1181
Rabbit Hole	San Diego CA	619-255-4653
Belmont Park Cannonball	San Diego CA	858-228-9283
Wrench and Rodent	Oceanside CA	760-840-1976
Toast Catering	San Diego CA	858-208-9422
Craft House	San Diego CA	619-948-4458
Green Acres Campus 2020	San Diego CA	858-450-9907
Harvest Kitchen (Corp Lunch)	Vista CA	619-709-0938
Paradisaea Restaurant	La Jolla CA	732-915-6669
Georges at the Cove	San Diego CA	858-454-4244
San Diego Yacht Club	San Diego CA	619-758-6334
Mikami	San Diego CA	619-780-0974
Bang Bang 2021	San Diego CA	619-382-8938
Tahona (Kitchen)	San Diego CA	619-573-0289
Pippo Pasta	La Jolla CA	858-412-3432
The Islander	Coronado CA	619-522-6890
The Compass	Carlsbad CA	760-434-1900
Sycuan Casino	El Cajon CA	619-445-6002
KI's	Encinitas CA	760-586-8289
Home & Away - Old Town	San Diego CA	619-886-1358

Recipe Ideas

Recipes that include Daikon Radish. One

is easiest, three is harder.

No Recipes		PICKLED CARROTS AND DAIKON (KOHAKU NAMASU)
Cookie and Kate		No Noodle Pad Thai
Your Lighter Side		Daikon Au Gratin
Kyoyasai Kyoto		Steamed Kintoki Carrots and Tilefish
Food In Jars		Homemade Kimchi
Beyond Kimchee		Radish Pancake
Steamy Kitchen		Chinese Daikon and Carrot Soup
Tasting Table		Traditional Braised Daikon
No Bun Please		Crispy Daikon Fries
Cooking And Beer		Breakfast Banh Mi with Bacon and Curry Aioli

the other 19...

Kimchimari		Korean Rice Bowl with Sashimi - Hoedeopbap
E.A.T.		Daikon Radish Chips
Platings and Pairings		Daikon Radish Salad
Umami Holiday		Korean Pickled Radishes and Jalapenos
Pickled Plum		Soy Daikon Bites with Melted Cheese
Edible Marin & Wine Country		Soba Dashi
Gourmande in the Kitchen		Daikon Rolls with Cilantro Pumpkin Seed Pesto
Witten Kitchen		Sword Leaf with Coconut, Curry Cashew, Carrots, Apple and Radish
The Global Girl		Raw Healing Probiotic Noodle Soup
Food 52		Miso Beef Burgers with Daikon Oroshi
The Austin Gastronomist		Daikon Radish Dip
Barefeet in the Kitchen		Overnight Daikon Radish Pickles
Beyond Kimchee		Apple Pear Radish Salad
The Woks Of Life		Turnip Cake
Just One Cookbook		Namasu (Daikon and Carrot Salad)
bella bonito		Spring Salad with Carrot Miso Dressing
The Woks Of Life		Spicy Meatball Banh Mi
Cooking on the Weekends		Spicy Roasted Daikon French Fry
Simply So Healthy		Low-Carb Homefries

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