Watermelon Radish

Estimated Inventory, 25 lbs : 3.74
This item was last sold on : 01/24/25

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Description/Taste

Watermelon radishes are a small to medium-size varietal, averaging 5 to 8 centimeters in diameter, and have a round to oval appearance with a single hairy taproot extending from the root’s base. The radish’s skin is semi-thin, smooth, and taut, generally appearing in shades of ivory, and is lightly blushed with pink hues, especially on the taproot. The roots may also have green shoulders, indicating the presence of chlorophyll due to exposure to sunlight. Underneath the surface, the flesh has a ring of white just below the skin, transitioning to bright pink, fuchsia, or magenta center. The coloring will vary in each radish depending on cultivation practices, growing environment, and soil type. The flesh also has a firm, dense, succulent, and tender texture with a crisp, snap-like consistency. Watermelon radishes should feel heavy for their size and have a subtly sweet, mild, and peppery flavor. Radishes cultivated in cooler climates will typically be less spicy, while ones grown in hotter climates may develop a more intense flavor with a dry, pithy feel. In addition to the radishes, Watermelon radish greens are edible, containing a vegetal, green, earthy, and peppery flavor. The leaves can be used raw or lightly cooked.

Seasons/Availability

Watermelon radishes are available year-round, with peak seasons in the early spring and winter.

Current Facts

Watermelon radishes, botanically classified as Raphanus sativus, are a brightly colored variety belonging to the Brassicaceae family. The small roots are native to Asia and were spread worldwide for their unusual, pigmented flesh. Watermelon radishes were named for their bright pink, watermelon-like coloring. It is important to note that the radishes only resemble watermelon flesh in appearance and do not share similar flavor profiles. Throughout history, Watermelon radishes have been rebranded several times using marketing names, including Beauty Heart, Red Meat radishes, and Rose Heart radish, and the roots are commercially produced and grown as a home garden cultivar. Radish enthusiasts favor watermelon radishes for their mild, peppery flavor, versatility in fresh and cooked preparations, and physical appearance, providing contrast, texture, and color to culinary dishes. Home gardeners also value the plants as the leaves and roots are edible, providing a zero-waste ingredient.

Nutritional Value

Watermelon 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 calcium to build strong bones and teeth, potassium to balance fluid levels, vitamin A to maintain healthy organ functioning, and contain lower amounts of phosphorus, copper, magnesium, vitamin K, zinc, and folate.

Applications

Watermelon radishes have a mild, subtly sweet, and peppery flavor well suited for fresh and cooked preparations. The radishes can be consumed with or without the skin, depending on preference and recipe, but it is important to note that the skin and outer layers of the flesh are generally the spiciest part of the root. Some recipes have noted soaking radishes in ice water for twenty minutes to reduce the peppery nuances. Watermelon radishes are favored as a salad ingredient to showcase their bright coloring and are added to grain bowls, charcuterie boards, or shredded into slaws. The roots can be sliced with a mandolin and layered on bite-sized crackers with dip, added onto sandwiches with butter and salt, chopped into eggs rolls, or served alongside sushi and other fresh dishes as an edible garnish. In addition to raw preparations, Watermelon radishes can be pickled and incorporated as tangy crunch in tacos, side salads, burgers, rice dishes, and poultry or fish plates. The radishes can also be simmered into soups, stir-fries, curries, stews, and pot roasts, baked into a gratin, roasted with other root vegetables, or sliced and fried into chips. Cooking Watermelon radishes will enhance the root’s natural sweetness, and the radishes absorb accompanying flavors, contributing flavor and texture to dishes. The roots are also used in seafood dishes in Asia to help balance marine-like flavors. Beyond radishes, the plants can be grown for their leafy tops, incorporated into stir-fries, soups, salads, and main dishes. Watermelon radishes pair well with cheeses such as feta, blue, and chèvre, herbs including mint, cilantro, and tarragon, fennel, cucumbers, cabbage, carrots, kale, arugula, jicama, and parsnips. Whole, unwashed Watermelon radishes will keep for a couple of weeks when stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer.

Ethnic/Cultural Info

Watermelon radishes are known in China as “Xin Li Mei” or “Shinrimei,” translating to mean “beauty in the heart” or “beautiful heart.” This descriptor was given in honor of the fruit’s pale skin and unique fuchsia internal coloring. Watermelon radishes are a favored variety in China for their vibrant flesh. The radishes are used to create ornately carved garnishes, and the roots are typically served raw to showcase the flesh coloring. Watermelon radishes are a popular snack in Beijing and are traditionally consumed peeled and dipped into a sweet bean sauce. The radishes are also served with zha jiang mian, or fried sauce noodles, a famous noodle dish in China, especially in Beijing. The dish is widely made across Beijing, found on menus through street vendors to fine dining establishments, and is comprised of flat noodles, ground pork, and mushrooms sauteed in a sweet bean and soy sauce. Watermelon radishes are served with the cooked noodle dish as a raw side accompaniment. The radishes can be mixed into the dish, used to scrape up any remaining sauce, or consumed as a palate refresher.

Geography/History

Watermelon radishes are native to China and are believed to be a type of daikon radish. Daikon radishes were introduced from the Mediterranean to China sometime around 500 BCE, and while most of the history of Watermelon radishes is unknown, experts believe the variety originated near Beijing. Watermelon radishes were later brought to the United States and were sold under the new name Red Meat radish in seed catalogs. Over time, the variety’s name was changed again to Beauty Heart and later Watermelon radish, a marketing term used to appeal to a broader consumer base. Today Watermelon radishes are available commercially and in home gardens in regions worldwide and are found in the United States, Europe, Asia, and Australia.

Featured Restaurants

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

Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club	Rancho Santa Fe CA	858-756-1582
Vista Valley	Vista CA	760-758-2800
Fish 101	Encinitas CA	760-943-6221
Lofty Coffee Co- W. Cedar	San Diego CA	760-230-6747 ex. 4
Webbcreationfood LLC	San Diego CA	619-829-9194
Catamaran	San Diego CA	858-488-1081
Duke's La Jolla	La Jolla CA	858-454-1999
The Lion Share Bar	San Diego CA	619-564-6924
Harumama (Little Italy)	San Diego CA	619-269-7122
Sbicca Del Mar	Del Mar CA	619-417-2587
Luce	San Diego CA	619-275-2094
Hotel Indigo	San Diego CA	619-295-3172
Fox Point Farms	Encinitas CA	619-892-0553
Sheraton Carlsbad (7 Mile)	Carlsbad CA	760-827-2400
Salt & Whiskey	San Diego CA	619-544-1886
Mothership	San Diego CA	858-342-3609
Harumama Sushi & Ramen (Ocean Beach)	San Diego CA	858-886-9909
Deeply Nourished	La Jolla CA	808-489-7366
Urban Kitchen Catering	San Diego CA	619-276-8803
La Clochette Du Coin-Pacific Beach	San Diego CA	619-402-7911

the other 98...

Drift Cafe	San Diego CA	858-263-4298
Harumama Noodles & Buns (Carlsbad)	Carlsbad CA	760-637-5737
Misadventure & Co.	Vista CA	413-668-6895
Blue Ocean	Carlsbad CA	760-434-4959
Finca North Park	San Diego CA	619-581-3003
Better Buzz Coffee (La Jolla)	La Jolla CA	619-269-4022
The Sushi Stand	San Diego CA	619-394-2395
Thai One On	Carlsbad CA	760-500-8674
Parisien Gourmandises	La Jolla CA	858-352-6552
J & Tonys	San Diego CA	855-634-7664
Reata Glen	Ladera Ranch CA	949-545-2250
Lofty Coffee Co.-Carlsbad State St	Carlsbad CA	760-230-6747
Cape Rey Carlsbad, a Hilton Resort	Carlsbad CA	760-602-0800
Secret Sister	San Diego CA	619-281-0718
Food of Joy	San Diego CA	858-531-6616
Mission Bay Beach Club	San Diego CA	858-201-7551
The Shout House	San Diego CA	619-231-6700
Local Tap House & Kitchen	Oceanside CA	760-547-1469
Le Papagayo (Encinitas)	Encinitas CA	760-944-8252
The Remy	San Diego CA	619-886-1358
La Jolla Country Club	San Diego CA	858-454-9601
Marriott Del Mar	San Diego CA	858-369-6029
Il Giardino di Lilli	La Jolla CA	619-467-9897
US Grant Hotel Main	San Diego CA	619-232-3121
Juniper & Ivy	San Diego CA	858-481-3666
Farm Fresh Meals	Vista CA	760-707-2383
Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe	Rancho Santa Fe CA	858-759-6063
Lodge at Torrey Pines Grill	San Diego CA	858-453-4420
Viewpoint Brewing Co.	Del Mar CA	858-205-9835
Trust Restaurant	San Diego CA	609-780-7572
Sycuan Casino	El Cajon CA	619-445-6002
Toast Catering	San Diego CA	619-795-9135
Lofty Coffee Co-Solana Beach	Solana Beach CA	760-230-6747
Valley View Casino & Hotel	Valley Center CA	760-291-5500
The Shores	La Jolla CA	858-459-8271
Lafayette Hotel - Lou Lou's	San Diego CA	619-296-2101
Bali Hai Restaurant	San Diego CA	619-222-1181
Extraordinary Desserts	San Diego CA	619-294-2132
The Monsaraz	San Diego CA	858-760-6228
Sugar and Scribe	La Jolla CA	858-274-1733
The Plot	Oceanside CA	422-266-8200
Burgeon Beer Co.	San Diego CA	760-814-2548
Lofty Cafe-Roasting Works	Encinitas CA	760-230-6747 ex. 5
Extraordinary Desserts Union St.	San Diego CA	619-294-7001
Communion (Paradis)	San Diego CA	619-606-5568
Michele Coulon Dessertier	San Diego CA	858-456-5098
Shimbashi Izakaya	Del Mar CA	858-523-0479
Fish Market Downtown	San Diego CA	619-232-3474
Azuki Sushi Lounge	San Diego CA	619-238-4760
Sheraton Carlsbad (20/20)	Carlsbad CA	760-827-2400
Dot Café	San Diego CA	914-263-1424
Marisi La Jolla	La Jolla CA	951-852-6730
Lofty Coffee Co-Carlsbad	Carlsbad CA	415-218-1535
Little Lion	San Diego CA	619-519-4079
Zel's Del Mar	Del Mar CA	858-755-0076
Sheraton La Jolla	San Diego CA	858-453-5500
Continental Catering Inc	La Mesa CA	907-738-9264
Pizza Cassette	San Diego CA	802-310-5601
Fish 101 Cardiff	Cardiff CA	619-753-7139
PFC Fitness Camp	Carlsbad CA	888-488-8936
Palmys	San Diego CA	858-886-7111
Hotel Republic San Diego	San Diego CA	951-756-9357
Better Buzz Coffee (Encinitas)	Encinitas CA	760-487-5562
The Handmade Chef Meal Prep Co.	San Diego CA	619-368-3705
Merenda	Oceanside CA	703-459-4145
San Diego Yacht Club	San Diego CA	619-758-6334
Copper Kings	San Marcos CA	323-810-1662
Wolf In the Woods	San Diego CA	619-851-7275
Armonia LLC	San Diego CA	619-724-7210
Craft and Commerce (Sekscobra Inc.)	San Diego CA	619-962-5935
The Flavor Chef (Catering)	Vista CA	619-295-3172
Huntress (Banquet)	San Diego CA	619-955-5750
Jeune Et Jolie	Carlsbad CA	858-231-0862
Viejas Casino Grove Steakhouse	Alpine CA	800-295-3172
Edgewater Grill	San Diego CA	619-232-7581
Harumama Noodles & Buns (Vista)	Vista CA	858-886-9909
InterContinental Banquet Kitchen	San Diego CA	619-501-9400
Il Sogno Italiano	San Diego CA	619-380-2652
Harumama Noodles & Buns (Encinitas)	Encinitas CA	858-886-9909
InterContinental Vistal Kitchen	San Diego CA	619-501-9400
Georges at the Cove	San Diego CA	858-454-4244
Blue Ocean La Jolla	La Jolla CA	858-999-0323
Farmer and The Seahorse	San Diego CA	619-302-3682
Little Frenchie	Coronado CA	619-522-6890
Coast Catering	Escondido CA	619-295-3173
Morning Glory	San Diego CA	619-629-0302
Rancho Bernardo Inn (Avant)	San Diego CA	858-675-8505
Black Raill Kitchen + Bar	Carlsbad CA	619-454-9182
Something Homemade	Vista CA	858-245-1004
Better Buzz Coffee (Hillcrest)	San Diego CA	858-488-0400
Mavericks Beach Club	San Diego CA	858-999-0348
The Tavern	Coronado CA	602-628-5890
Lofty Coffee Co-Encinitas	Encinitas CA	760-230-6747
Kettner Exchange Bar	San Diego CA	909-915-9877
Toast Cafe	San Diego CA	858-208-9422
Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center	National City CA	619-434-4281
Belmont Park Cannonball	San Diego CA	858-228-9283
Dolce Pane & Vino	Del Mar CA	858-832-1518

Recipe Ideas

Recipes that include Watermelon Radish. One

is easiest, three is harder.

The FeedFeed		Rainbow Radish And Edible Flower Salad With Blood Orange Vinaigrette
Feasting at Home		LITTLE GEM SALAD WITH DILLY RANCH
A House in The Hills		Sauteed Radishes
Give It Some Thyme		Winter Radish Salad with Orange Vinaigrette
Rhubarbarians		Watermelon Radish Toast with Orange Mascarpone and Honey
A House in The Hills		Soba & Carrot Noodles with Watermelon Radish
The Defined Dish		Watermelon Radish Tuna Tostadas
Spices in My DNA		Cashew Cheese Avocado Toast
Honest Cooking		Vibrant Watermelon Radish Salad with Spring Microgreens
Kimchimari		Water Kimchi (Mul Kimchi) with Watermelon Radish

the other 33...

The Kitchn		Kale Salad with Quick-Pickled Watermelon Radish
Food Bully		Easy Chicken Salad Appetizers
Camille Styles		Herbed Goat Cheese & Radish Tartines
Recipe Runner		White Bean Crostini with Watermelon Radishes
Camille Styles		Detox Kale Salad
In Erika's Kitchen		Watermelon Radish Chips
Domino		Kale Salad with Watermelon Radishes
Mango Tomato		Mango,Watermelon Radish & Cucumber Salsa
The FeedFeed		Rainbow Radish and Edible Flower Salad with Blood Orange Vinaigrette
With Food and Love		Roasted Watermelon Radishes with Herbed Tahini Sauce
Dishing Up The Dirt		Tahini-Miso Spread & Watermelon Radish Toast with Sesame Seeds & Sea Salt
Heather Christo		Green Goddess Salad
Healthy Feels		Roasted Persimmon and Asian Pear with Brussels Sprouts and Purple Daikon Radish
The Bojon Gourmet		Carrot and Watermelon Radish Pickle
Healthy Happy Life		Sweet Pickled Onion Watermelon Radish Salad
Gourmande in the Kitchen		Carpaccio of Watermelon Radishes Arugula and Citrus Avocado Dressing
Omnivores Cookbook		Three-Ingredient Quick Pickled Watermelon Radish
Alexandra's Kitchen		Watermelon Radish, Orange & Goat Cheese Salad
Kate Loves Kale		Psychedelic Salad Rolls
Rhubarbarians		Watermelon Radish Salad with Orange and Goat Cheese
Nutrition Stripped		Go-To Radish Salad
Beyond Sweet and Savory		Watermelon Radish Carpaccio and Arugula Salad
Gluten Free, Follow Me		Cauliflower Pizza with Hummus, Watermelon Radish, Avocada, Feta, & Sun Dried Tomatoes
Craving Something Healthy		Asian Watermelon Radish Salad
Cook Republic		Rainbow Radish And Purple Kale Salad
The FeedFeed		Roast Beef Sandwich With Herbed Goat Cheese, Crispy Zucchini And Sweet Potato Chips And Watermelon Radishes
Elissa Goodman		Pickled Watermelon Radish
She Paused for Thought		Watermelon Radish Mini Tacos
Honest Cooking		Creamy Burrata with Shaved Watermelon Radish and Crispy Shallots
EA Stewart		Winter Panzanella Salad with Kale, Carrots & Watermelon Radishes
Peel with Zeal		Roasted Watermelon Radishes
Yummy Mummy		Veggie Tacos with Black Beans and Cabbage
Gourmande in the Kitchen		Vegetable Nori Wraps with Sunflower Butter Dipping Sauce