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Sparkler Radish
Inventory, 24 ct : 0
Description/Taste
The Sparkler radish has a classic raish appearance. Its edible roots are petite spheres with thin wiry taproots. The skin's coloring is two-toned with the top of the roots near the plant's leaves a deep scarlet red and the bottom half, creamy white. The Sparkler radish's flesh is translucent white, crisp yet tender. Its flavor is mild and earthy with a subtle sweetness.
Seasons/Availability
Sparkler radishes are available late winter through the spring.
Current Facts
The Sparkler radish, botanical name Raphanus sativus, is a member of the Brassicaceae family. Radish varieties can be divided into four types: western (small salad type), oriental (large and mild) such as china rose and daikon, leaf (small taproots cultivated for feedstock), and rats-tail radishes (cultivated for edible seedpods). The Sparkler radish is a western radish type. It is an heirloom variety that is also known as White Tip and Sparkler White Tip.
Applications
Sparkler radishes can be served for fresh eating or cooked and served hot or cold. If cooking, the best method is slow-roasting as it will bring out a tender, rich and sweet quality in the radishes. Their vibrant coloring makes them a perfect fit for crudité plates or sliced and layered with butter on open faced tea sandwiches. Sparkler radishes pair well with chives, parsley, fennel, apple, cheeses such as feta and chèvre, butter, vinaigrettes, bacon, white fish, cucumbers, mild salad greens, cooked eggs, citrus, cilantro and mint. To store, keep Sparkler radishes refrigerated and use within one week.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
In France, radishes such as the Sparkler are popularly served, greens and all, alongside butter and flaky sea salt.
Geography/History
The Sparkler radish is believed to have first been cultivated in the eastern Mediterranean region. Radishes are perhaps the fastest maturing plants in nature. Sparkler radishes can reach maturity within twenty days of sowing. Once the root becomes visible, they can be pulled. This means they must be harvested often, as the flavor of the root will become sharper if left in the soil for too long. Radishes are very much like lettuces and pea plants, preferring cool season for best growth and sweeter roots. Summer crops tend to bolt to seed quickly as well as producing sharp pithy roots and sunburnt leaves.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Sparkler Radish. One
is easiest, three is harder.| Not Eating Out In New York |
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Strawberry Radish Salad with Balsamic Vinegar |
| Not Eating Out In New York |
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Carrot, Cucumber and Radish Oshinko |
