Red Arrow Radishes roots are long and white with the tops being green while the leaf veins and stems are colorful red when mature.
Even though these types of radishes were grown for its color, they are a type of “Daikon” which is a white Japanese radish. Daikon translates to “Large root” in English. Red Arrow Radishes, just like a regular Daikon are winter radishes which means they should be planted two months before the first frost of fall.
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Brassicales
Family: Brassicaceae
Genus: Raphanus
Species: R. Sativus
Binomial Name: Raphanus Sativus
Red Arrow Radish Trivia
- A tea made of these vegetables can improve your digestive system.
- Tonic that is made from Daikon type radishes is used to remove the toxins from your body.
- It is said that a cup of grated Daikon can cure a hangover.
Red Arrow Radish Buying Guide
When looking to buy these types of radishes choose those that are heavy, straight, and plump. They should have a smooth and firm skin with the least amount of pores. Also, try to find those that look juicy, fresh, and the ones that have divided roots.
Red Arrow Radish Production & Farming in Texas
Most of the crops for these radishes are grown in California, but they’re also grown commercially in South Texas in Houston. The reason most of the crops for Red Arrow Radishes are located in Houston is that the city itself has the largest population of Asian people in the whole of Texas. And these radishes are a vital part of their culture. They can be found on the market in each month of the year.
Pesticides
Radishes are sometimes used as natural pesticides because of their hot flavor that rejects pests. Because of this, they require fewer pesticide residues than some other vegetables.
Geography
These types of radishes come from East Asia. It has since then expanded to South Asia and is now used internationally as well.
Plant them about two months before the first frost of the fall. They should be planted in rich soil that is deeply worked up. Don’t overwater the soil but also don’t let it dry out, keep it moist moderately. The sprouts are ready to harvest after 3-5 days. They can be harvested at any time, but they provide the best flavor while small.
Packaging
These vegetables are usually packaged in wooden or cardboard boxes, but they’re sometimes packed in plastic bags so the moisture of the radish endures. You can just pick it up and carry it in your arm from the market, although they can be very large and tough to handle.
Enjoying Red Arrow Radishes
There are many ways to enjoy this vegetable. Many people of the Asian culture eat these types of vegetables just as you would pickled cucumber, if you don’t plan on eating it right away, this is the best option.
Red Arrow Radishes can be cooked, roasted, boiled, you can also mix it in sauces when grated. They will add the spiciness you require to your dish.
Storage
Before storing Red Arrow Radishes in the fridge, be careful not to wash them. Place them in a plastic bag and they can last in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Cooking
You can make these radishes look like french-fries. Though, they’re nothing like them in terms of taste and texture of course. Cut them into little sticks just as you would a potato, and combine oil, chili paste, ginger, soy sauce, sugar, and salt. Sprinkle it over the daikon and roast it in a frying pan. Take them out when they reach that brownish color. Drain them before serving.
Nutrition
There are many different health benefits from eating Red Arrow Radishes. They improve your health and offer protection from different kinds of diseases. They are known to help you against certain types of cancer.
They can also help you against chronic diseases and may promote weight loss.
When Are Red Arrow Radishes in Season in Texas?
To find out when Red Arrow Radishes are in season in Texas, please check the seasonal chart below. Why is this important? We are rarely encouraged to think about the physical lengths our food travels before arriving on the market shelves. And all of this travel comes with a hefty environmental cost that is concealed from the consumer’s eye. One of the most salient benefits to eating seasonally is that you are effectively reducing your carbon footprint and supporting a more geographically sustainable food economy. Check other fruit and veg that’s in season in Texas now.