We eat the red roots of radishes. We eat the greens. And we also eat the green seed pods.
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| A trough of radishes in flower. The red stalk through the middle is a beet plant going to seed, to collect seeds for next year's beets. |
When radish plants are about to go to seed, they develop these small and pretty, pale pink flowers. From each flower, a seed pod will grow. When the seed pods are still green (so the seeds inside are still soft), they are edible to eat fresh or added to soups or stir fries, tasting like mild radishes. The pods are best when still young and tender.
I've let this trough of radishes go to seed just for the pods. I don't need this planting space for another 2 or 3 weeks, so the timing is great. Over the next two weeks, I'll be harvesting all of the seed pods and use them, fresh in salads and slaws as well as cooked. They're also good for pickling in a garlic brine. I may pickle a jarful if I have enough at any one time.
Radish seed pods -- making our meals interesting.
It's amazing how much of a plant is edible - not only the fruit/vegetable but it's stems, flowers, seeds, etc! It's just one of natures miracles!
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend Lili (and everyone!)
Shelby
Hi Shelby,
DeleteIt is amazing! And with some plants, you can use the roots, too. I joked with my daughters that after I collect the seed pods, I'd be digging the roots of the radishes to roast and grind for a coffee substitute. Hmmm . . . maybe not so far-fetched.
Have a great weekend, Shelby.
I have never eaten radish seed pods. What do they taste like?
ReplyDeleteHi Live and Learn,
DeleteThey taste like mild radishes -- very tasty.
Good to know.
DeleteWho knew?? I continue to learn from you. Thanks for the info as always.
ReplyDeleteHi Lynn,
DeleteWho knew, is right. In other years, I might just pull up the plants and skip trying to do something else with them. This year, with just about everything in my garden, I'm trying to recall what I've heard or done before, and looking up new-to-me ways to use parts of plants. I grow currants, here, too. And I was just remembering from several years ago that I used to make tea from the leaves.
Have a great weekend, Lynn.
Very interesting! Would have never thought to do that, though I do let them (and other plants) go to seed to collect and replant. Thanks for sharing your experiences.
ReplyDeleteLili,
ReplyDeleteI hope everything is OK with you and yours.
I hadn't commented much in the last while because I am gluten-free and you had a lot of posts having to do with bread.
Anyway, I hope and pray all is well.
Jo Ann
Hi Jo Ann,
DeleteThank you for your concern. I'm just taking a break from writing for the time being for various reasons. I'll be back soon. :-)
Lili, glad to know that you are taking a well deserved break. Like Jo Ann, I too have missed you and worried a bit. We'll be here whenever you get back! Take good care.
ReplyDeleteThank you for checking in with me, Lynn. I will be back soon, I hope. You take good care of yourself, too.
DeleteI'd say those radish seed pods are delicious. :)
ReplyDeleteThey are delicious, aren't they, Belinda. When I'm outside, I find they make a nice little snack -- just pull a bunch off of the plants.
DeleteI hope you are well, Belinda.
So glad to hear that you are doing ok and taking a well deserved break.
ReplyDeleteI have been checking in, but still can't post on my tablet (doing so today on my laptop). I hope you are getting some good R&R, and taking good care of yourself. We'll all be here, so don't rush. I think these breaks are important and will help you regroup so you can find new meaning, direction, and purpose in life. I know that when I find myself needing a break, I usually end up reassessing and redefining my goals.
ReplyDeleteWell another worrier Lili. Just hope your enjoying your break and things are well. It seems people haven't learned how to stay safe and the numbers are rising again. I need a Facebook and news break for about a year. Stay well ladies.
ReplyDeleteThank you for checking in. I'm working on wellness for right now. I hope everyone is doing well.
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