Radish

History & Origin

Radishes are native to China. Egyptian writing reports that radishes were a common food in ancient Egypt before the pyramids were built. In Greece, radishes were so highly valued that imitations of them were made of gold. In 1544, a German botanist reported seeing radishes that weighed about 100 pounds. Radishes were grown by the first English colonists in America.

Nutrition Facts:

Riboflavin- good for body growth,

healthy hair & nails

Vitamin C- helps heal the skin Vitamin K – good for bones & liver Calcium- make bones strong Potassium- helps grow muscles

Planting

Plant radishes in very early spring (March/April) as soon as you can dig up the soil. They love the cool weather.

Plant the seed 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep. After the radishes have come up, then thin out so they are about 1/2 to 1 inch apart.

Radishes grow super fast! From seedling to harvest is usually about 25-30 days. Keep them watered and check them often. They will be ready to eat before you know it.

Harvesting Pull the radish when the root is less than one inch in diameter. Do not leave ready-to-eat radishes in the ground too long or else they will become hot to the taste and hard.

Facts:

Radishes are Available: Summertime

How Does a Radish Grow: They grow underground as a root vegetable. Once planted, they grow quickly.

How to Cook with Radishes: Use in salads or garnishes.

What to Look for When Buying Radishes: Buy radishes that are firm with crisp leaves. Avoid radishes that are soft.

Radish Activity

Radish Coloring sheet

References

urbanext.illinois.edu/.../planning/dictionary/veggies/radish.cfm www.organicfacts.net/.../vegetable/health-benefits-of-radish.html http://www.docstoc.com/docs/60862130/Investigation-of-Radish-Seed-Germination www.kids-cooking-activities.com › Food Facts urbanext.illinois.edu/veggies/radish.cfm nutritiondata.self.com/facts/vegetables-and-vegetable-products/2606/2