What Is a Watermelon Radish: The Cinderella of Root Vegetables
Like Cinderella before her transformation, the exterior of a watermelon radish is modest at best and drab at worst. But open it, and all is magic: the interior of this root vegetable practically sparkles with hot pink and vibrant orange, turning heads as it suddenly appears as the belle of the ball.
Here’s everything you need to know about watermelon radishes; they are in season in early spring, and they’re the colorful answer to everything that ails your plate after the dregs of wintertime.
What Is a Watermelon Radish?
Watermelon radishes are an heirloom variety of daikon radishes and originated in China, where they are called shinrimei. They’re a root vegetable and member of the Brassica family, which also includes arugula, broccoli, and cabbage.
Watermelon radishes are larger than regular radishes and can range from the size of a golfball to that of a softball. They’re firm and crisp with a mild taste that’s a blend of slightly peppery and slightly sweet.
What Does a Watermelon Radish Taste Like?
No, the watermelon radish doesn’t actually taste like watermelon. Like most radishes, it has a mildly peppery flavor and a crisp texture.
So Then Why Is It Called a Watermelon Radish?
The watermelon radish gets its name from its appearance, which is green around the exterior with a deep pink to bright red center. It bears quite a resemblance to its namesake.
How to Buy and Store Watermelon Radishes
Watermelon radishes are widely available from late fall through spring. These beautiful vegetables thrive in cold soil.
When buying them, choose radishes that feel heavy for their size. They should be firm and without blemishes.
Store them in a plastic bag or container in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator for up to a few weeks.
How to Use Watermelon Radishes
These pretty radishes aren’t all show — they’re also really delicious and versatile! Watermelon radishes can be eaten raw, pickled, or cooked. They can be braised or roasted like a turnip, or mashed like a rutabaga, though I prefer them raw since they lose their bright hue when cooked.
Similar to regular radishes, this variety does not have to be peeled before eating. Just make sure to wash them very well, and scrub away any dirt.
Try these recipes with watermelon radishes
- Kale Salad with Quick-Pickled Watermelon Radish
- Radish, Boursin, and Chive Tartines
- Quinoa Salad with Radishes and Greens
- Radishes With Cream Cheese and Chives
- Asparagus & Radishes with Mint
- Matt & Ted Lee’s Radish Butter
- Rozanne Gold’s Bucatini with French Breakfast Radishes, Bacon & Greens
- Radish Toast
- Minty Snap Pea Salad
- Farro Salad with Arugula, Radishes & Goat Cheese
- Red Potato Salad with Scallions & Radishes
Updated from a post originally published January 2010.