Horseradish has large, dark green leaves resembling spinach, which under ideal conditions can grow up to 2 feet (60 cm) long. Being soft and fleshy, they are constantly attacked by leaf-eating pests, especially snails. The root system includes a main or tap root about 12 inches (30 cm) long and 1/2 inch (12 mm) thick, with numerous smaller roots splitting out from it at diverse angles. It is white and rather like a radish, but is more hairy and wrinkled.
History and mythology
Like all herbs, horseradish has been known and valued by various groups of the human race through the ages, while today it has a wide and faithful following in different countries. It is thought to have originated in Eastern Europe and has become part of the diet of many people. It was a preferred condiment along with vinegar amongst the hard-working country general in rural Germany. Its status extent to France and England, where it is known as moutarde des Allemands. It is a member of the same family as mustard and cress and is rich in sulfur.
Cultivation
When planting, select the area required according to the number of plants you wish to grow, allowing 12 inches (30 cm) between plants each way. For instance, if wishing to grow four plants, the area needed will be 2 feet (60 cm) square. Measure out a plot of ground this size and dig a hole about 1½ feet (45 cm) deep, spreading some well-decayed manure in the bottom before replacing the loose well-broken soil back in the hole. Do this in winter, about one month before planting. In early spring, after selecting four straight main roots 8 inches (20 cm) long, cut off any side roots and plant them in the prepared bed, making a hole 12 inches (30 cm) long and 1 inch (25 mm) wide for each root, and pour a little sand around the sides before covering with soil. Keep plants watered so that the roots do not become coarse.
Harvesting and processing
When the roots are cut for use, soil is scraped away from the side of the plant, and with a knife the small roots are then cut away from the main one, the small roots being the ones used. This can be done at any time. Every two years it is advisable to pull the whole plant out, keeping the long main roots for replanting. The side roots can be stored for some time in dry sand.
Various uses
Culinary
If you cannot grow your own horseradish, dried horseradish root which has been commercially prepared in the form of small grains or flakes is now available. These swell and reconstitute in liquid, offering a good texture. Crushed horseradish root is not recommended as it is weaker in flavor and has no texture. A little freshly grated or dried horseradish in spreads, dressings, and sauces gives an interesting tang. Horseradish sauce makes a tasty accompaniment to roast, broiled (grilled), or boiled beef, pork, fish, and poultry. Freshly grated apple mixes well with horseradish when making sauce, as does chopped mint. A little freshly grated or dried horseradish is excellent in a traditional bread sauce.
Medicinal
Anyone who enjoys the biting taste of grated horseradish will be interested to know that it also has a number of beneficial properties. It has long been known as a stimulant for many parts of the circulatory system, however having antiseptic abilities too. When taken along with rich food it helps digestion, and whenever a little horseradish is grated into salads and whenever taken frequently it will build up confrontation to coughs and colds and these are only some of its contributions to good health. Another therapeutic quality, when it is taken in a more concentrated form, is its ability to reduce catarrhal and bronchial complaints if one has succumbed to these ailments. (Once when suffering from a chest cold, I had a treatment of a horseradish and avocado rub, finished off under a hot lamp for 15 minutes. It was very effective.) Horseradish taken interiorly reduces sinus pain and is supposed to aid decrease blood pressure. An old recipe in a book of ours under the heading “To Relieve a Heavy Cold” says:
“Grate horseradish, and inhale the fumes that arise.”
Cosmetic
Some beauty herbalists make use of horseradish root in combination with other herbs to reduce eczema. It is used along with milk or yoghurt to be wiped on the skin to decline freckles. For an effective skin refresher, bathe some of the sliced root in milk and tap the milk on the skin.
Companion planting
Horseradish helps fruit trees in the orchard and aids avoid brown rot on apple trees. In the vegetable garden, horseradish, if kept restricted to the corners of the potato bed, will assist potatoes to be more healthy and resistant to disease.
