Purple Ninja Radishes
Estimated Inventory, 24 ct : 3.25
This item was last sold on : 05/23/25
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.
| Miho | San Diego CA | 619-365-5655 |
| Dija Mara | Oceanside CA | 760-231-5376 |
| Mister A's | San Diego CA | 619-239-1377 |
| Fresco Cocina | Carlsbad CA | 760-720-3737 |
| Rancho Valencia | Del Mar CA | 858-756-1123 |
| Carte Hotel | San Diego CA | 619-365-1858 |
| Fairmont Grand Del Mar | San Diego CA | 858-314-1975 |
| The Beau Hotel | San Diego CA | 619-310-5160 |
| Wormwood | San Diego CA | 619-573-0289 |
| Artifact at Mingei | San Diego CA | 619-846-2164 |
| Craft House Fashion Valley | San Diego CA | 619-948-4458 |
| Cal A Vie | Vista CA | 760-945-2055 |
| Sago | Encinitas CA | 858-382-4047 |
| Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District | El Cajon CA | 619-644-7585 |
| Hotel La Jolla - Sea & Sky | La Jolla CA | 858-459-0261 |
| Flap Your Jacks | San Diego CA | 858-224-7442 |
| Tahona (Kitchen) | San Diego CA | 619-573-0289 |
| Craft House Sky Deck | San Diego CA | 619-948-4458 |
| Cloak and Petal | San Diego CA | 626-319-6878 |
| Secret Sister | San Diego CA | 619-281-0718 |
| insideOUT | San Diego CA | 619-888-8623 |
| Donna Jean | San Diego CA | 619-392-0052 |
| A & M catering | San Diego CA | 206-802-8320 |
| Belmont Park Cannonball | San Diego CA | 858-228-9283 |
| Communion | San Diego CA | 619-606-5568 |
| University Club | San Diego CA | 619-234-5200 |
| Solare Ristorante Lounge | San Diego CA | 619-270-9670 |
| Starlite Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-358-9766 |
| Animae | San Diego CA | 619-925-7908 |
| The Shores | La Jolla CA | 858-459-8271 |
| Fort Oak | San Diego CA | 619-795-6901 |
| Savory Moment (1) | Carlsbad CA | 619-633-8863 |
| Coast Catering | Escondido CA | 619-295-3173 |
| Sandpiper Wood Fired Grill & Oysters | La Jolla CA | 858-228-5655 |
| Oyster and Pearl Bar Restaurant | La Mesa CA | 619-303-8118 |
| Green Dragon Tavern & Museum | Carlsbad CA | 760-797-5579 |
| Born & Raised | San Diego CA | 619-944-1631 |
| Yoann Taboyan, Personal Chef | San Diego CA | 347-277-1958 |
| Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego | San Diego CA | 619-232-1234 |
| Addison Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-350-7600 |
| The Guild Hotel | San Diego CA | 619-764-5108 |
| The Flavor Chef (Catering) | Vista CA | 619-295-3172 |
| Lafayette Hotel - Beginners Diner | San Diego CA | 619-296-2101 |
| Mille Fleurs | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-756-3085 |
| Nolita Hall | San Diego CA | 619-618-8820 |
| Baja Cavi | Lomas de Valle Verde 22810 | 619-295-3172 |
| Steady State Roasting | Carlsbad CA | 760-908-1680 |
| Rustic Root Solana | Solana Beach CA | 619-955-5750 |
| Herb & Sea | Encinitas CA | 858-587-6601 |
| Cellar Hand | San Diego CA | 334-689-2388 |
| Scrimshaw Coffee | San Diego CA | 951-663-2207 |
| Palmys | San Diego CA | 858-886-7111 |
| Mothership | San Diego CA | 858-342-3609 |
| InterContinental Vistal Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-501-9400 |
| La Jolla Country Club | San Diego CA | 858-454-9601 |
| Herb & Wood | San Diego CA | 520-205-1288 |
| Marriott Coronado | Coronado CA | 619-435-3000 x6335 |
| Salt and Lime | Del Mar CA | 858-926-8582 |
| Espadin | Temecula California | 951-383-5585 |
| Solana Beach Kitchen | Solana Beach CA | 610-717-7217 |
| Inn at Rancho Santa Fe | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-381-8289 |
| Communal Coffee | San Diego CA | 619-305-9525 |
| Pizza Cassette | San Diego CA | 802-310-5601 |
| Moment Sushi | San Diego CA | 858-230-6268 |
| Common Stock | San Diego CA | 619-310-5298 |
| AToN Center Inc. | Encinitas CA | 858-759-5017 |
| Deeply Nourished | La Jolla CA | 808-489-7366 |
| US Grant Hotel Grill | San Diego CA | 619-232-3121 |
| Adobo House | San Diego CA | 619-990-8340 |
| Lauberge Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-259-1515 |
| Belching Beaver Brewery - Pub 980 | Vista CA | 760-420-7764 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Purple Ninja Radishes. One
is easiest, three is harder.| My Three seasons |
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Spring Vegetable Salad with Buttermilk Poppy Seed Dressing |
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