Mini Purple Radishes
Estimated Inventory, lb : 0
Description/Taste
Mini Purple radishes are small roots, averaging 5 to 7 centimeters in diameter, and generally have a round to slightly elongated shape depending on growing conditions. The skin is smooth, firm, and dark purple-red with a single, pale white taproot. Underneath the surface, the flesh is dense, crisp, juicy, and white, occasionally displaying purple streaks and faint rings. Mini Purple radishes are crunchy and tender with a mild, earthy flavor. The leaves are also edible and have a crisp consistency with a spicy, pungent taste.
Seasons/Availability
Mini Purple radishes are available year-round.
Current Facts
Mini Purple radishes, botanically classified as Raphanus sativus, are small roots that belong to the Brassicaceae family. There are many different varieties generally labeled under the Mini Purple radish name, and the bite-sized vegetables were created in Europe as a specialty line that is cultivated and sold year-round. Mini Purple radishes are unique from other varieties as they contain a high water content, which reduces the spicy flavor typically associated with full-grown radishes, and the moisture prevents the root from becoming dry and pithy in storage. The roots are also valued for their small size, heavily promoted in consumer markets as a single-serve vegetable, and are widely used in the restaurant industry as a colorful, edible garnish.
Nutritional Value
Mini Purple radishes are a good source of vitamins A and C, which are antioxidants that can increase collagen production, boost the immune system, and protect against external environmental aggressors. The roots also contain magnesium, potassium, iron, calcium, and some fiber.
Applications
Mini Purple radishes are best suited for raw applications as the root’s mild flavor, and crisp consistency is showcased when consumed fresh, out-of-hand. The radishes can be eaten with the skin on and are commonly sliced and tossed into green salads, layered into sandwiches, displayed on crudité plates with dips and spreads, or grated into coleslaw. The small roots can also be pickled for extended use, tossed into soups, thinly sliced and served on crackers or toast with butter, or used as a garnish for its colorful appearance. In addition to raw applications, Mini Purple radishes can sometimes be roasted for a sweeter flavor or cooked and lightly mashed into potatoes for a sweet and earthy side dish. The leaves can also be stir-fried, sautéed, or steamed as a pungent green. Mini Purple radishes pair well with apples, cucumbers, bell peppers, cabbage, carrots, kohlrabi, cherry tomatoes, potatoes, herbs such as cilantro, dill, and tarragon, pea shoots, Dijon mustard, and cottage cheese. The roots will keep 1-3 weeks when stored in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
In Europe, Mini Purple radishes are just one of many vegetables being produced in miniature sizes. The tiny vegetables are considered to be specialty items that were initially created for their mild flavor, novel size, and convenience. Consumer spending habits have changed in Europe in the last decade due to the increase in single households, and vegetable growers are shifting to products with smaller sizes to appeal to smaller households. Miniature vegetables are also favored by farmers for their fast-growing nature, resistance to weather fluctuations, and adaptability in various growing conditions, being one of the few vegetables that can be grown in both greenhouses and outside fields. In the restaurant industry, miniature vegetables are used to create aesthetically pleasing, elaborate dishes with unusual shapes, colors, and flavors.
Geography/History
Radishes are native to Asia and were introduced into Europe in the 16th century. While the exact origins of when Mini Purple radishes were created are unknown, the small roots are primarily cultivated in Spain and the Netherlands in greenhouses and open fields. Mini Purple radishes are also exported from these countries to other European countries, including Poland, Scandinavia, Germany, the Czech Republic, and France. Mini Purple radishes are also available through online seed catalogs for home garden use.
