In German, it’s called “meerrettich” (sea radish) because it grows by the sea. Many believe the English mispronounced the German word “meer” and began calling it “mareradish.” Eventually it became known as horseradish. The word “horse” (as applied in “horseradish”) is believed to denote large size and coarseness.
Is horseradish a plant?
Horseradish, part of the Brassicaceae plant family, is a hardy perennial root vegetable with a long growing season. Horseradish produces a mustard oil that, when grated or cut, can irritate the sinuses and make your eyes water.
What is the horse in horseradish?
Etymology and common names
The word horseradish is attested in English from the 1590s. It combines the word horse (formerly used in a figurative sense to mean strong or coarse) and the word radish.
What is meant by horseradish?
horse·rad·ish ˈhȯrs-ˌra-dish. -ˌre- : a tall coarse white-flowered herb (Armoracia rusticana synonym A. lapathifolia) of the mustard family. : a condiment made from ground-up horseradish root.
Where is horseradish come from?
Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) is a perennial plant of the Brassicaceae family. The plant is probably native to southeastern Europe and western Asia. It grows up to 1.5 metres (5 feet) tall, and is usually grown for its large, white, tapered root.
How is horseradish planted?
How to Plant Horseradish. Plant horseradish by laying sets or pieces of roots about 18 inches apart and at a 45° angle, in a trench 3 to 4 inches deep. Sets generally come with the lower end sliced off on the diagonal to indicate which end should slant down.
How do you identify horseradish plants?
Horseradish has tall dock-like leaves reaching to 1m from the ground. The leaves are shiny and have a wavy-toothed edge. Its flower stalk has many inflorescence of white cruciform flowers (four petals arranged in a cross formation).
What are 3 facts about horseradish?
Fun Facts about Horseradish:
- The 16th century English word “horseradish” has nothing to do with horses or radishes.
- Don’t put your horseradish sauce in a fancy silver serving dish: the grated root can tarnish the metal.
- Horseradish is commonly used as one of the “bitter herbs” required at the Jewish Passover Seder.
Who eats horseradish?
The Egyptians knew about horseradish as far back as 1500 B.C. Early Greeks used it as a rub for lower back pain and an aphrodisiac. Jews still use it during Passover seders as one of the bitter herbs.
Why is horseradish good for you?
Horseradish root is naturally rich in antioxidants, which can help protect your body from cellular damage by attaching themselves to free radicals. Early studies also suggest that horseradish may prevent the growth of colon, lung, and stomach cancer cells, though more research in humans needs to be done.
Is a horseradish a fruit?
Horseradish is a root vegetable known for its pungent taste and odor. It has been used worldwide for thousands of years, typically as a condiment but also for medicinal purposes.
Is horseradish a medicinal plant?
The roots are also used as medicine. Some people take horseradish by mouth for urinary tract infections, kidney stones, fluid retention, infections of the respiratory tract, cough, achy joints (rheumatism), gallbladder disorders, sciatic nerve pain, gout, colic, and intestinal worms in children.
Is horseradish a herb?
The International Herb Association named horseradish, Armoracia rusticana, as their Herb of the Year 2011. This perennial plant in the cabbage family (Brassicaceae) is now grown for its root that is used to create a condiment, although in the Middle Ages both the leaves and root were used medicinally.
Can you eat horseradish raw?
You can eat horseradish raw, pickled or cooked, but it is most often added as a condiment to sauces. What is this? Horseradish is at its strongest and most biting when it is freshly grated.
Is horseradish safe to eat?
Horseradish is considered generally safe. But sometimes too much of a good thing is not really good at all. Horseradish can be toxic if eaten in high quantities. It is best to take small quantities when using in this condiment or supplement.
Is horseradish good for kidneys?
Kidney problems: There is concern that horseradish might increase urine flow. This could be a problem for people with kidney disorders. Avoid using horseradish if you have kidney problems.
Where is most horseradish grown?
Collinsville, IL
The town of Collinsville, IL and surrounding area is home to an estimated 60% of the world’s horseradish root.
Do horseradish plants smell?
Intact horseradish is a thing with little smell. Horseradish when cut or grated release within the plant cell (glucosinolate) to produce isothiocyanate (mustard oil); this will make your eyes and nose water.
Are horseradish leaves toxic?
Eating horseradish leaves is safe, although in large amounts any part of the plant can cause stomach irritation, disorientation and profuse sweating, advises North Carolina State University Extension.
What is the scientific name of horseradish?
horseradish, (Armoracia rusticana), hardy perennial plant of the mustard family (Brassicaceae) known for its hotly pungent fleshy root, which is made into a condiment or table relish.
Is the horseradish plant spicy?
Freshly dug horseradish roots lack aroma. However, cutting or grating the roots triggers a chemical reaction that creates a compound called allyl isothiocyanate. This gives horseradish its heat, and it can irritate the eyes and sinuses. Prepare horseradish sauce in a well-ventilated area.