16 Types of Radishes to Add a Variety of Flavor to Any Meal

According to research, around 400 million pounds of different types of radishes are consumed by the people of America in a year. It is because of their crunchiness and own flavor; plus, they are filled with nutrients.

There are different varieties of radishes, coming in different tastes, sizes, shapes, and colors. The number may even cross a hundred.

16 Types of Radishes

This cool-weather veggie is thought to have been first grown in 2700 B.C. in Egypt and domesticated in China in 500 B.C. That's quite the illustrious history. However, in this article, we will be walking you through the 16 most popular radish varieties that you might not have heard of. Let's get started.

Watermelon Radish

The reason why it is widely called watermelon radish is due to its appearance. It has a hard green exterior and a slight pinkish interior, exactly like watermelon. Even though it looks like a watermelon in terms of color, the taste is completely opposite.

In the United States, this is also called Rooseheart Radish or Red meat. Watermelon radishes have a crunchy texture which most radishes have. It is a bit sweet and juicy.

Compared to traditional radishes, the watermelon variant has a mild flavor. It is packed with minerals and vitamins and contains Vitamin C, A, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium.

Not only that, these radish kinds contain a good amount of antioxidants and phytochemicals as well. One cup of watermelon radish serves around 16 calories.

Daikon Radish

This is also known as winter radish or oriental radish and looks like long types of carrots. Daikon is a long white radish that grows in many Asian countries but is widely available in Japan.

Daikon radish is less spicy and a little sweet compared to red radishes. Even though daikon radish doesn't contain much fiber, it is rich in potassium, magnesium, folate, calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin C.

These radish types can be eaten raw or cooked. People prefer eating daikon radish mixed with salad due to its less spicy and sweet taste. And, of course, people like these types of radish due to the mild flavor.

White Hailstone Radish

White Hailstone radish looks like golf balls. They are small in size, but their leaves outgrow them. Their interior and exterior are both the same color. In terms of taste, they are not spicy, are a bit sweet, and have a mild flavor. It is crispy and juicy to eat.

These types of radishes are rich in potassium, folic acid, magnesium, copper, riboflavin, vitamin B, and ascorbic. One cup of hailstone radish serves 20 calories.

French Breakfast Radish

French breakfast radish originated in France. This radish type is widely consumed in Europe and comes in a mixture of red and pinkish colors. And the bottom has a white touch.

Though these kinds of radishes are named breakfast radish mostly, it isn't included in the first meal. Most people prefer eating it raw, but it can be cooked like vegetables as well.

It contains magnesium, potassium, folate, calcium, and vitamin C. The taste of French breakfast radish is a bit spicy, and it is very crunchy. It tastes a little bit sweet as well.

Cherry Belle Radish

The Cherry Belle radish is a small, red-skinned root vegetable. It is a type of radish that is round, smooth, and about 2 inches in diameter. Cherry Belle radish has a mild, peppery flavor and is eaten either raw or cooked.

It is a popular variety of radish that is grown in many parts of the world. The Cherry Belle radish is a cool-weather crop, and it is a fast-growing vegetable that can be harvested about 30 days after planting.

Its roots can be eaten fresh or stored in a root cellar for later use. The Cherry Belle radish is a good vitamin C and vitamin B6 source. It also contains some potassium, magnesium, and folate.

Malaga Radish

The Malaga radish is a type of radish that is named after the city of Malaga in southern Spain. This radish is a long, white radish that is often used in salads and as types of garnish.

The Malaga radish is a mild radish that has a slightly sweet taste. Malaga radish is crispy and less dense than carrot. It is packed with nutrients and contains calcium, potassium, vitamin B, phosphorus, etc. Per cup, Malaga radish delivers around 16 calories.

Bartender Mammoth Radish

This is a type of Malaga radish that is grown in the United States. The Bartender Mammoth is a very large radish that can grow up to 12 inches in length.

Bartender Mammoth types of radishes are often used in salads and as a garnish. They are very crispy to eat, and it is also a bit spicier. Even after being spicy, it delivers slight sweetness, making it good to eat with salad.

Pink Radish

A pink radish is a root vegetable that is related to the turnip and acts as a great turnip substitute. Pink radish is a round-shaped vegetable that is about 2-3 inches in diameter. It has thin skin that is a light pink or red color.

The inside of the vegetable is a light pink or white color. It is loaded with dietary fiber. It is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, and potassium.

These radish varieties are a crisp and refreshing vegetable that is often eaten raw in salads. You can cook it as well. Pink radish has a mild flavor and a slightly peppery taste.

Round Black Radish

Round black radish is a type of radish with dark purple skin and white flesh; they have a spherical shape.

These radish types are a winter vegetable that is grown in the fall and winter. Round black radish is a good source of vitamin C and potassium. It has a slightly spicy flavor and is commonly used in salads and slaws.

Chinese Rose Radish

These have an elongated shape and have a purple-red exterior. The body shows some pink and white veins. Chinese rose radishes grow annually and pretty early. It is a popular variety of radish in China and is often used in stir-fries, soups, and salads.

They can be cooked as well, but people prefer eating them raw with salad. Chinese rose radishes are a good source of vitamin C, riboflavin, and potassium. It is also a low-calorie food, with only 18 calories per cup.

Plum Purple Radish

Plum Purple radishes sometimes get a little burgundy-colored, and they are the size of onions. They are sweet and very crispy to eat. These radishes don't grow much in size; they grow a maximum of 1 - 2-inch in diameter.

Like others, these can also be paired with a salad and, if required, can be cooked. In some countries, these radishes are used for food dressing.

Cherriette Radish

These types of radishes also look like small onions and have the slightly same color as well. Cherriette radishes grow better in warm weather. A mature Cherriette radish grows a maximum of 2-inches. It tastes sweet and a bit spicy as well.

Long Black Spanish Radish

This one is related to Daikon radish. Long Black Spanish radishes are true to their name. They are black-colored and long and have a tapered end. It is a winter vegetable and grows best in cold weather.

They are rich in vitamin C, fiber, potassium, calcium, and phosphorus. These radish types can be eaten both raw and cooked.

Long Scarlet Radish

As the name suggests, long scarlet radishes are long and are cylindrical shaped. Originated in China but now grows all over the world.

Usually, these varieties of radishes are deep red-colored, but sometimes they get a little pinkish. It is slightly spicy and delivers a little peppery flavor; plus, it is also crunchy.

The taste and flavor of these radish kinds make it a perfect salad material. Apart from salad, it is widely used in soups, stir-fries, and stews. Long scarlet radish is a good source of fiber and vitamin C.

Helios Radish

Helios radishes are well-known for their unique appearance and intense flavor. They come with thin and long roots. The maximum length of helios is 6-inch. Sometimes they are deep black, and sometimes red,  sometimes even green.

It is a winter vegetable and has a very spicy taste, making it a good one for a salad. Moreover, it is a great source of potassium, vitamin C, and fiber.

Horseradish

This one is a little related to mustard. Not many people eat horseradish for taste; it is widely used as medicine for respiratory issues. Horseradish is spicy and has a peppery taste. Sometimes it is used to flavor foods as well especially in types of mustard.

More Types of Radishes

We can't possibly discuss every one of the radish types, nor would you want us to. The number of radish varieties are nearly endless and not all are interesting to grow, cook, and eat. But we'll mention more alphabetically below so you radish enthusiasts can continue your adventure:

• Chinese Green Luobo Radish
• Chinese Red Meat Radish
• Chinese Shawo Fruit Radish
• Crimson Giant Radish
• De 18 Jours Radish
• Early Scarlet Gold Radish
• Easter Egg Radish
• Fire and Ice Radish
• French Dressing Radish
• German Giant Radish
• Giant of Sicily Radish
• Green Meat Radish

I'll let you take a quick breather and help you track your place before we continue the list of radishes below:

• Perfecto Radish
• Philadelphia White Box Radish
• Pink Beauty Radish
• Red Emperor Hybrid Radish
• Sakurajima Mammoth Radish
• Saxa 2 Radish
• Sichuan Red Beauty Radish
• Singara Rat's Tail Radish
• Sparkler Radish
• Summer Cross Hybrid Radish
• White Beauty Radish
• White Globe Hailstone Radish
• White Icicle Radish
• Zlata Radish

This should top off our list of the types of radish for you to scour for and expand your taste palette. If you can get through all of these, you're serious about the topic indeed!

Different Types of Radishes for an Enjoyable Variety

All over the world, radishes are mainly used for salad. Some are even used for food dressing. Whatever it is, they are an incredible source of nutrients.

We have covered some of the popular yet different types of radishes. Each of the kinds of radishes come with its own set of taste and flavors. However, hope this helps.

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