Purple Ninja Radishes
Estimated Inventory, 24 ct : 3.22
This item was last sold on : 12/20/24
Description/Taste
Purple Ninja radishes are a medium to large-sized variety. They have an oblong shape that tapers to a slender point at the tip. This variety possesses a vibrant purple hue that's almost translucent. They may have slight striations of darker and lighter colors across their fibrous skin. This skin has a firm and mostly smooth texture with fine hairs emerging all the way down to the tail. The flesh of Purple Ninja radishes features a starburst pattern in shades of lavender to deep purple set against a white background with small speckles. They are capped with purple and green stems and green leaves. These radishes offer a crisp bite and slightly spicy yet sweet flavor.
Seasons/Availability
Purple Ninja radishes are available year-round.
Current Facts
Purple Ninja radishes are botanically classified as Raphanus sativus and belong to the Brassicaceae family. This family also includes kale, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and mustard. The name radish derives from the Latin word radix which means root and the genus name Raphanus means easily reared. This genus is a reference to the fact that radishes are widely adaptable and can be harvested very quickly after planting. Purple Ninja radishes are a variety developed in the 2010s that are native to the Central Coast of California. They may be marketed or described as red radishes despite their name as red is sometimes used as an umbrella term for various radish varieties with a similar hue. Purple Ninja radishes are primarily used in culinary applications both for their roots and edible leaves.
Nutritional Value
Purple Ninja radishes have a high vitamin C content that provides immune support, aids in collagen production for skin health, and protects cells from damage caused by free radicals. Calcium in these radishes supports strong bones and teeth while also aiding in heart function and muscle movement. The magnesium in these vegetables contributes to energy production, nerve function, muscle relaxation, and blood sugar regulation. Purple Ninja radishes contain potassium that plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy blood pressure by counteracting sodium levels. This nutrient is also good for heart health and proper muscle function. The copper content in this variety aids in red blood cell formation and supports the immune and nervous systems. The folate found in Purple Ninja radishes is important for DNA synthesis and cell division. This is especially valuable for pregnant women and for maintaining cardiovascular health.
Applications
Both the greens and roots of Purple Ninja radishes are edible. They can be used for cooked, braised, grilled, sautéed, and raw preparations. When raw, this variety is frequently incorporated into salads, sandwiches, wraps, sushi, chunky salsas, and spring rolls. They pair well in a ceviche made with shellfish, kohlrabi, carrots, and parsley. Purple Ninja radishes are often roasted with brown butter, lemon, or herbed ricotta for a sweeter and less spicy flavor. These roasted vegetables pair well in dishes like pasta, omelets, soups, grain bowls, tartines, flatbreads, and radish dips made with Greek yogurt, tahini, and garlic. Sliced Purple Ninja radishes can also be added to stir-fries or pickled with vinegar and herbs. This variety pairs well with micro greens, chervil, chives, dill, cilantro, kale, arugula, avocados, goat cheese, quinoa, couscous, lentils, grilled meats, tomatoes, beets, sweet potatoes, mangoes, oranges, grapefruit, limes, pickled cucumbers, and sea salt. Keep Purple Ninja radishes refrigerated and use within one to two weeks.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Purple Ninja radishes can be pickled to make kkakdugi. This is a type of Korean kimchi that’s frequently eaten with soups and stews. This salty, spicy, and tart condiment was created by Princess Sukseon. She was the daughter of King Jeongjo and married to Kim Jang-saeng, a high-ranking officer during 19th-century Korea. The royal family once gathered for a congratulatory feast where Princess Sukseon presented kkakdugi to the king for the first time. When asked what this dish was made from she stated that its creation was accidental. This food was then named kkakdugi because the radish was cut into cubes and the act of cubing food is referred to as kkakdugi seolgi in Korean. Kkakdugi eventually gained widespread popularity in Korea and was appreciated by both the elite and the common folk.
Geography/History
Purple Ninja radishes were created by Babé Farms in Santa Maria, California, in 2015. This variety flourishes during cool weather seasons when temperatures reach between about 4 and 20 degrees Celcius. These cultivated radishes are bred commercially and sown from seed in home gardens. Purple-hued radishes originated in Korea and have long been popular in Europe, China, and Japan. Their acceptance in the United States did not come about until around the 1990s, eventually leading to the development of cultivars like Purple Ninja radishes. They are a relatively rare variety that may be found at farmers’ markets and specialty stores within the United States, Canada, and Baja California in Mexico.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Mille Fleurs | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-756-3085 |
| Tahona (Kitchen) | San Diego CA | 619-573-0289 |
| La Costa Resort & Spa Main Kitchen | Carlsbad CA | 760-930-7063 |
| Gravity Heights Mission Valley | San Diego CA | 619-384-5993 |
| The Flavor Chef (Catering) | Vista CA | 619-295-3172 |
| Ron Oliver | San Diego | 619-295-3172 |
| Marriott Marina Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-234-1500 |
| Communal Coffee | San Diego CA | 619-305-9525 |
| A & M catering | San Diego CA | 206-802-8320 |
| Lafayette Hotel - Lou Lou's | San Diego CA | 619-296-2101 |
| Mister A's | San Diego CA | 619-239-1377 |
| Mothership | San Diego CA | 858-342-3609 |
| Artifact at Mingei | San Diego CA | 619-846-2164 |
| Palmys | San Diego CA | 858-886-7111 |
| InterContinental San Diego | San Diego CA | 619-501-9400 |
| Ju-Ichi | San Diego CA | 619-800-2203 |
| Fresco Cocina | Carlsbad CA | 760-720-3737 |
| Cloak and Petal | San Diego CA | 626-319-6878 |
| insideOUT | San Diego CA | 619-888-8623 |
| Lafayette Hotel - Beginners Diner | San Diego CA | 619-296-2101 |
| Savory Moment (1) | Carlsbad CA | 619-633-8863 |
| Bar Same Same (Kitchen) | Carlsbad CA | 760-470-9143 |
| InterContinental Vistal Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-501-9400 |
| Craft House Sky Deck | San Diego CA | 619-948-4458 |
| Black Radish | San Diego CA | 619-775-7412 |
| Rancho Bernardo Inn (Avant) | San Diego CA | 858-675-8505 |
| Yoann Taboyan, Personal Chef | San Diego CA | 347-277-1958 |
| Finca North Park | San Diego CA | 619-581-3003 |
| Belching Beaver Brewery - Pub 980 | Vista CA | 760-420-7764 |
| Pizza Cassette | San Diego CA | 802-310-5601 |
| Carte Hotel | San Diego CA | 619-365-1858 |
| Salt and Lime | Del Mar CA | 858-926-8582 |
| Miho | San Diego CA | 619-365-5655 |
| Animae | San Diego CA | 619-925-7908 |
| La Jolla Country Club | San Diego CA | 858-454-9601 |
| Espadin | Temecula California | 951-383-5585 |
| Cal A Vie | Vista CA | 760-945-2055 |
| Tribute Pizza | San Diego CA | 858-220-0030 |
| Valley View Casino & Hotel (Black&Blue) | Valley Center CA | 760-291-5500 |
| California English | San Diego CA | 727-515-0362 |
| Addison Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-350-7600 |
| Saiko Sushi-Coronado | Coronado CA | 619-435-0868 |
| Sago | Encinitas CA | 858-382-4047 |
| Scrimshaw Coffee | San Diego CA | 951-663-2207 |
| Herb & Sea | Encinitas CA | 858-587-6601 |
| Wayfarer Bread | La Jolla CA | 805-709-0964 |
| Solana Beach Kitchen | Solana Beach CA | 610-717-7217 |
| InterContinental Banquet Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-501-9400 |
| Paradisaea Restaurant | La Jolla CA | 732-915-6669 |
| Hotel La Jolla - Sea & Sky | La Jolla CA | 858-459-0261 |
| The Seabird Resort | Oceanside CA | 951-704-9703 |
| Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-759-6063 |
| Belmont Park Cannonball | San Diego CA | 858-228-9283 |
| Hotel Indigo | San Diego CA | 619-295-3172 |
| Oyster and Pearl Bar Restaurant | La Mesa CA | 619-303-8118 |
| Fairmont Grand Del Mar | San Diego CA | 858-314-1975 |
| US Grant Hotel Grill | San Diego CA | 619-232-3121 |
| Adobo House | San Diego CA | 619-990-8340 |
| Campfire | Carlsbad CA | 760-637-5121 |
| Lauberge Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-259-1515 |
| Pacifica Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-792-0505 |
| Fishery | San Diego CA | 858-272-9985 |
| Top of the Market | San Diego CA | 619-234-4867 |
| Deeply Nourished | La Jolla CA | 808-489-7366 |
| Born & Raised | San Diego CA | 619-944-1631 |
| Rancho Valencia | Del Mar CA | 858-756-1123 |
| Secret Sister | San Diego CA | 619-281-0718 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Purple Ninja Radishes. One
is easiest, three is harder.| My Three seasons |
|
Spring Vegetable Salad with Buttermilk Poppy Seed Dressing |
