Availability and types of radishes
Radishes are small, round or elongated roots with a crunchy bite and a slightly sharp taste. They belong to the large plant family of Brassicaceae, which also includes cabbages, broccoli and radish relatives (daikon). When you see radishes at the supermarket or farmers' market, you usually find them as red, round tubers with green leaves – but in fact there are many more varieties. In this section you will learn when radishes are available, where they come from, and which varieties and shapes exist. All explained simply so that even a 12-year-old can understand it well.
Availability through the year:
Radishes grow very quickly. After only 4–6 weeks they can be harvested. That is why in Central Europe they are available almost all year round. The best time, however, is spring and early summer, when days get longer and temperatures are mild. At that time many radishes come fresh from regional fields. In summer they remain readily available, although in very hot weather they can become woodier more quickly. In autumn there are also plenty of radishes, often special varieties in other colors. In winter most radishes come from greenhouses or are imported from warmer regions. This way you can find them in trade practically continuously; only the origin changes with the seasons.
Radishes grow very quickly. After only 4–6 weeks they can be harvested. That is why in Central Europe they are available almost all year round. The best time, however, is spring and early summer, when days get longer and temperatures are mild. At that time many radishes come fresh from regional fields. In summer they remain readily available, although in very hot weather they can become woodier more quickly. In autumn there are also plenty of radishes, often special varieties in other colors. In winter most radishes come from greenhouses or are imported from warmer regions. This way you can find them in trade practically continuously; only the origin changes with the seasons.
Origin and growing areas:
Radishes probably originally come from Asia, where the radish relatives have been cultivated for a very long time. Today radishes are grown worldwide, because they are undemanding and prefer cool to mild climates. In Europe countries such as Germany, France, the Netherlands and Italy are important producers. In Germany many radishes come from regions with fertile soils, for example Bavaria, Rhineland-Palatinate or Lower Saxony. Internationally Spain and Morocco also supply in the cooler months. Thanks to this variety of growing areas you can buy radishes fresh almost always.
Radishes probably originally come from Asia, where the radish relatives have been cultivated for a very long time. Today radishes are grown worldwide, because they are undemanding and prefer cool to mild climates. In Europe countries such as Germany, France, the Netherlands and Italy are important producers. In Germany many radishes come from regions with fertile soils, for example Bavaria, Rhineland-Palatinate or Lower Saxony. Internationally Spain and Morocco also supply in the cooler months. Thanks to this variety of growing areas you can buy radishes fresh almost always.
Types and varieties – much more than just red and round:
- Classic red, round radishes: These are
