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Horseradish

Armoracia rusticana

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
For more information please download the BSBI Code of Conduct PDF document.

Plant Profile
Other Information
Distribution Map

Flowering Months:

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Order:

Brassicales

Family:

Brassicaceae (Cabbage)

Also in this family:

Alpine Pennycress, Alpine Rock-cress, American Wintercress, Annual Wall Rocket, Austrian Yellowcress, Awlwort, Bastard Cabbage, Black Mustard, Bristol Rock-cress, Charlock, Common Scurvygrass, Common Whitlowgrass, Coralroot, Creeping Yellowcress, Cuckooflower, Dame's-violet, Danish Scurvygrass, Dittander, Early Wintercress, Eastern Rocket, English Scurvygrass, Evergreen Candytuft, False London Rocket, Field Pennycress, Field Pepperwort, Flixweed, Garden Arabis, Garden Candytuft, Garden Cress, Garden Radish, Garden Rocket, Garlic Mustard, Glabrous Whitlowgrass, Gold of Pleasure, Great Yellowcress, Greater Cuckooflower, Greater Periwinkle, Greater Swinecress, Hairy Bittercress, Hairy Rock-cress, Hairy Rocket, Hairy Whitlowgrass, Hedge Mustard, Hoary Cress, Hoary Mustard, Hoary Stock, Hoary Whitlowgrass, Honesty, Hutchinsia, Hybrid Watercress, Intermediate Periwinkle, Isle of Man Cabbage, Large Bittercress, Lesser Swinecress, London Rocket, Lundy Cabbage, Marsh Yellowcress, Mountain Scurvygrass, Narrow-fruited Watercress, Narrow-leaved Bittercress, Narrow-leaved Pepperwort, Northern Rock-cress, Northern Yellowcress, Oilseed Rape, Perennial Rocket, Perennial Wall Rocket, Perfoliate Pennycress, Pinnate Coralroot, Purple Rock-cress, Pyrenean Scurvygrass, Rock Whitlowgrass, Russian Rocket, Scottish Scurvygrass, Sea Kale, Sea Radish, Sea Rocket, Sea Stock, Shepherd's Cress, Shepherd's Purse, Small-flowered Wintercress, Smith's Pepperwort, Steppe Cabbage, Swede, Sweet Alyssum, Tall Rocket, Thale Cress, Tower Mustard, Treacle Mustard, Trefoil Cress, Turnip, Wall Whitlowgrass, Wallflower, Wallflower Cabbage, Warty Cabbage, Watercress, Wavy Bittercress, White Mustard, Wild Cabbage, Wild Candytuft, Wild Radish, Wild Turnip, Wintercress, Woad, Yellow Whitlowgrass

Type:

Flower

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Maximum Size:

150 centimetres tall

Habitats:

Beaches, fields, gardens, riverbanks, roadsides, seaside, wasteland, wetland, woodland.

Flower:

White, 4 petals

The flowers of the Horseradish plant exude an elegant charm with their slender petals and delicate blooms. Their subtle hues range from creamy whites to soft pinks, creating a visually enchanting tapestry against the coastal backdrop. The clusters of flowers, though understated, contribute to the overall allure of the UK's coastal flora, adding a touch of natural grace to the wild landscape.

Fruit:

The fruit of the Horseradish plant are characterized by elongated pods that house small, round seeds. These seed pods, once mature, exhibit a pale brown hue and add a subtle visual interest to the plant. While not the main focus, the fruit of the Horseradish plant contributes to the overall life cycle and biodiversity of the coastal environment, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of nature in this picturesque region.

Leaves:

The leaves of the Horseradish plant are distinctive with their deep green colour and serrated edges. These lance-shaped leaves form a lush, dense foliage that adds to the plant's overall verdant appearance. Their robust texture and vibrant hue contribute to the resilience of the Horseradish in the coastal environment, symbolizing the plant's ability to thrive amidst the dynamic conditions of the UK's coastal landscape.

Aroma:

The Horseradish plant emits a strong and pungent aroma. The distinctive smell is characterized by a sharp, peppery note, which is particularly pronounced when the plant's roots are crushed or grated. This intense fragrance contributes to the plant's culinary appeal, as the aromatic qualities of Horseradish are harnessed to enhance the flavour of various dishes. The robust and unmistakable scent of Horseradish adds a unique olfactory dimension to the coastal landscape where it thrives.

Other Names:

Pepper Root, Pepper Turnip, Red Cole.

Frequency (UK):

Common

Summary

Armoracia rusticana, commonly known as horseradish, is a perennial plant that is native to Eastern Europe and Western Asia. It is a member of the Brassicaceae family, which also includes plants like broccoli, cauliflower, and mustard. The plant is known for its large, white, tapering root, which is used as a condiment and has a strong, pungent, and spicy flavor. The leaves of the plant can also be eaten as a leafy green, but they are not as commonly consumed as the root. The plant is easy to grow and can be propagated by planting the root cuttings or crowns. It is often used to make horseradish sauce, and it is also used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Blog

Horseradish, scientifically known as Armoracia rusticana, is a perennial plant belonging to the Brassicaceae family. This plant is known for its spicy, pungent flavor and is a popular condiment used in various culinary dishes. In this blog, we will explore the history, health benefits, and culinary uses of horseradish.

History

Horseradish has a long and fascinating history that dates back to ancient times. It is believed that the plant originated in southeastern Europe and western Asia and was introduced to England by the Romans. The plant was used for medicinal purposes by the ancient Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians. The root was used to treat a variety of ailments such as respiratory infections, rheumatism, and digestive disorders.

Health Benefits

Horseradish is a nutrient-dense plant that contains a wide range of beneficial compounds. It is a good source of vitamin C, calcium, potassium, and magnesium. It also contains glucosinolates, which are compounds that have been shown to have anticancer properties. Additionally, horseradish is a natural diuretic and has been used to treat urinary tract infections.

Culinary Uses

Horseradish is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of culinary dishes. The root is grated and used as a condiment to add flavor and spice to sandwiches, salads, and meats. It is also used in dips, sauces, and spreads. Horseradish can be mixed with mayonnaise or sour cream to make a tangy dip for vegetables or as a sauce for seafood such as shrimp and crab.

Horseradish is also used as a flavoring for cocktails such as the Bloody Mary. The plant is also used in traditional Jewish cuisine, where it is mixed with beets to make a popular dish called chrain.

Growing and Harvesting

Horseradish is a hardy plant that can be grown in a variety of soils. The plant prefers moist, well-drained soil and should be grown in full sun. The root can be harvested in the fall after the foliage has died back. The root is dug up and cleaned, and the smaller roots are replanted for the next season.

Horseradish is a flavorful and nutritious plant that has been used for centuries for its medicinal and culinary properties. It is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes and has numerous health benefits. Whether used as a condiment or a flavoring, horseradish is a unique and flavorful addition to any meal.

Blog continued...

Horseradish is not only valued for its culinary and medicinal properties but also for its role in traditional folklore. According to some traditions, horseradish was believed to ward off evil spirits and protect against the plague. In medieval times, horseradish was used as a natural preservative for meat, as its antibacterial properties helped prevent spoilage.

In addition to its health benefits, horseradish is also a low-calorie food, making it an excellent addition to a healthy diet. It is also a good source of dietary fiber, which helps to promote healthy digestion and can reduce the risk of certain diseases such as colon cancer.

Horseradish is widely available in grocery stores and can also be grown in home gardens. To enjoy its spicy flavor, the root should be grated or chopped just before use, as its pungency diminishes with time. When grating horseradish, it is important to work in a well-ventilated area, as the fumes can be quite strong and may cause irritation to the eyes and respiratory system.

Horseradish is also used in some traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda, where it is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and is used to treat respiratory ailments such as bronchitis and asthma.

In some cultures, horseradish is used as a natural remedy for colds and flu. A popular home remedy for coughs and congestion involves mixing horseradish with honey and lemon juice to create a natural cough syrup.

Horseradish is also used in the production of mustard and wasabi. In fact, most commercial wasabi products are made with a combination of horseradish, mustard, and food coloring, as real wasabi is difficult and expensive to cultivate.

Horseradish has a long history of culinary and medicinal use and continues to be enjoyed today for its unique flavor and health benefits. Whether used in dips, sauces, or as a condiment, horseradish adds a bold and spicy flavor to any dish. Its versatility and historical significance make it a valuable ingredient in any kitchen.

Some Facts about the Horseradish plant

Horseradish is a perennial plant in the Brassicaceae family.
The plant is native to southeastern Europe and western Asia.
Horseradish has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years.
The root of the horseradish plant is the part that is used in cooking and medicine.
Horseradish is a natural diuretic and has been used to treat urinary tract infections.
The plant is a good source of vitamin C, calcium, potassium, and magnesium.
Horseradish is a low-calorie food and is a good source of dietary fiber.
The plant is hardy and can be grown in a variety of soils.
The root of the plant is harvested in the fall after the foliage has died back.
Horseradish is used in a variety of culinary dishes and is a popular condiment.

Horseradish is a perennial plant that has been used for culinary and medicinal purposes for thousands of years. The plant is native to southeastern Europe and western Asia and is a good source of vitamins and minerals. Horseradish is a natural diuretic and has been used to treat urinary tract infections. The plant is hardy and can be grown in a variety of soils. The root of the plant is harvested in the fall and is used in a variety of culinary dishes as a condiment.

Video

Horseradish plants growing wild at Hightown in Lancashire on the 20th May 2023.

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Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

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