top of page

Don’t Toss Those Radish Greens!

Don’t Toss Those Radish Greens!

https://www.thekitchn.com/dont-toss-those-radish-greens-145724

byEMILY HAN

published MAY 2, 2011

SAVECOMMENTS

On a recent episode of Iron Chef America – Battle Radish! – it was mentioned that the greens are possibly the best part of this vegetable. We were surprised to hear this; we’ve always just chucked the tops into the compost! Since then, we’ve corrected our ways and given the peppery leaves a try.

The flavor likely varies by the age and type of radish, but we’ve eaten young French breakfast and Easter egg radish greens, both of which were pleasantly pungent and delicious in a salad. Here are a few other recipes and ways to eat radish tops:

According to Livestrong.com, radish greens are a nutritional powerhouse, ranking right up there with broccoli and kale in terms of antioxidants. They’re also high in vitamin C and calcium. Wow!

Storing Radish Greens

Radish greens don’t keep for long. To extend their life, remove them from the root (radish) after bringing them home. Wash, dry thoroughly, refrigerate and use within 2 to 3 days. Don’t get to them in time? Slightly wilted radish greens can be revived in ice water; wilted radish greens are great for pesto; and extremely wilted radish greens are super for smoothies.

Recipe: Sautéed Radishes from Root to Leaf

https://foodprint.org/blog/how-to-use-radish-greens-and-daikon-greens/

Sherri Brooks Vinton

Serves 3-4

In this dish, radishes are sautéed until tender and coated with nutty browned butter. Then the greens are added to the pan to bring a fresh radish zing to the dish. Serve this as a side dish or toss with pasta, grated nutmeg and a sprinkle of cheese for a quick, delicious dinner.

Ingredients

1 pound radishes with bright green leaves 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 2 tablespoons butter 1 tablespoon lemon juice, optional Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method

Remove greens. Wash and dry thoroughly. Quarter radishes.

Heat oil in a medium heavy skillet over medium heat. Cook radishes, tossing occasionally, until tender, about 7-10 minutes.

Add butter and cook, using a spoon to baste radishes with butter, until butter begins to brown and smell nutty, about 1 minute.

Add greens and cook until wilted, about 1 minute more.

Remove from heat, add lemon juice, if using. Season with salt and pepper and serve.

YIELD: 1 CUP

Radish Greens Pesto

https://www.fromachefskitchen.com/radish-greens-pesto/#:~:text=Radish%20greens%20are%20completely%20edible,use%20young%20and%20tender%20leaves.