Herb Profile: Horseradish

Herb Profile: Horseradish (Armoracia lapathifolia, A. rusticana)

Description:
Horseradish is the root with a kick! It's bite comes from mustard oil, much like its cabbage family relatives: mustard greens, radish, and turnip. Somehow, though, horseradish is an experience all its own. Hot, yet with a cool aftertaste, it holds a special place in the Jewish seder tradition. It's also wildly popular in as a spice in Europe, Western Asia, and Scandinavia. It's a voracious perennial, and grows happily nearby compost for years after its planter is gone. You can even take a nub with the green sprout on top, or a thick piece of root, and plant that out to have all the horseradish you need in a couple of years. 

Nutrition:
Horseradish stimulates perky circulation, evident in the flushed cheeks of those who indulge! It also aids digestion, protects against bacterial infection, and enables drainage where there is a mucus blockage. It can help relieve sinus pressure in this way. 

​Storage:
Use while fresh for the most pungent flavor, within a couple weeks. Store in the crisper drawer until ready for use.

Use:
Use raw and freshly grated, less the pungent flavor dissapate. Preserve this flavor well with acidic liquids like lemon juice, vinegar, or sour cream. It makes a wonderful sauce, dressing, or dip this way.

Sources:
​The Gift of Healing Herbs by Robin Rose Bennett
The Rodale Encyclopida of Herbs
The New Whole Foods Encyclopedia by Rebecca Wood
Moonwise Herbs
Our own experience!

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