Horseradish: Eat, Drink and Grow

 

Although it likes to wander and needs to be controlled, horseradish is a plant to consider in the home vegetable garden. Horseradish, a perennial root crop, is an easy plant to grow; pests and insects ignore it almost entirely; and it is cost effective - once you have the plant, it is there for a lifetime. The horseradish root can be used in many recipes and it provides some noteworthy health benefits.

For all it's positive aspects, horseradish is one of the less demanding plants in the vegetable garden. But it should be confined to an isolated area. It does like to spread and it is a perennial, it will grow year after year, so its best to keep it where the ground will not be worked.

Horseradish is readily available and can be purchased as a plant or as root cuttings, perhaps the more common way to get started. Roots are tapered at a slant when purchased commercially. A hole should be dug about four inches deep; the root, slant end down, placed in the hole at about a forty five degree angle. For home use, a few root cuttings goes a long way, three of four roots or plants is likely good enough for a family of four who enjoy the pungent flavor.

If you get the root from a neighbor of friend, simply cut a slant on the on root end that was not attached to the main stem root. Don't worry too much about the planting angles and the slants. Horseradish is going to grow regardless, even the smallest root section left in the ground after harvest will likely make it's presence known the following spring.

While horseradish is a hardy plant, a well worked soil with some added compost will result in some good roots for harvest. While it prefers as much sun as possible and good and drainage, it can withstand partial shade. Horseradish is normally planted in the early spring, although a fall planting also seems to work

The horseradish plant can grow anywhere from 24 inches to 30 inches and about as wide. It's elongated leaves are almost tropical looking and the plant can be used as a barrier or to hide the compost bin from view.

Horseradish has many uses in the kitchen and can be used on meats and fish, used to make dill pickles and even makes for some good tasting chicken wings. It also makes for a tasty addition to a Bloody Mary.

Horseradish can be dug at just about anytime but for most the best flavor is after the first frost. The roots are washed and ground with small amounts of vinegar or mayonnaise. If at all possible, grinding horseradish should be done outside, the smell is extremely pungent.

There is no fat in horseradish and very few calories. It is high in many vitamins and minerals. It has a well deserved reputation for helping ease the common cold and sinus problems and there are some studies indicating it could help prevent some cancers. Other recent studies indicate the herb acts as a preservative which inhibits such food pathogens as E. Coli on meat.

Horseradish can also be used a companion plant, particularly for potatoes. It repels the potato bug and several other insects. However, it is best to keep horseradish in pots in the potato patch. You'll be forever grateful.

Horseradish is a simple, easy plant for the home gardener, it laughs at winter, is a vigorous grower, is a good looking plant and adds a lot of flavor and health benefits to many foods and makes for a good Bloody Mary.