Horseradish 101: Nutrition, Benefits, How To Use, Buy, Store | Horseradish: A Complete Guide

What is Horseradish

Horseradish is a spicy root vegetable that belongs to the Brassicaceae family, which also includes mustard and cabbage. It’s known for its strong flavor and pungent aroma, often used to add a kick to dishes like roast beef or seafood. The part we eat is the root, which is usually grated or ground into a paste. When you cut or crush horseradish, it releases compounds that can really make your eyes water—almost like a stronger version of onion! It’s been used for centuries, not just for its taste but also for its medicinal properties. Some folks believe it can help with digestion and even fight colds. In gardens, horseradish is pretty hardy and can grow almost anywhere, but you gotta be careful because it can spread easily if you let it.

Other Names of Horseradish

Here’s a list of some other names for horseradish, along with a bit of detail about each one:

1. Armoracia rusticana: This is the scientific name for horseradish. It might sound fancy, but it just helps people identify it in the plant world.
2. Red Cole: In some places, horseradish is called red cole, which refers to the fact that it’s in the same family as other cole crops like cabbage and broccoli. It’s a name that kinda shows how it fits into the bigger picture of plants.
3. Horseradish Tree: Some people refer to it as the horseradish tree, although it’s not really a tree. This name can come from how the plant grows and spreads.
4. Pepper Root: This name comes from its spicy flavor. It gives you that kick similar to black pepper, just a whole lot stronger.
5. Wild Horseradish: Sometimes, horseradish is called wild horseradish, especially when it grows naturally in fields or along roadsides without being planted by anyone. It can be a bit tougher than cultivated horseradish.

These names show how versatile horseradish is and how it can be recognized in different ways, depending on where you are. Whether you’re using it in cooking or just learning about it, knowing these names can help you appreciate this unique root even more.

Nutritional Value of Horseradish

Here’s a general overview of the nutritional value of horseradish per 100 grams of raw horseradish:

Nutrient	Amount per 100g
Calories	48 kcal
Water	78.87 g
Protein	1.18 g
Carbohydrates	11.29 g
Fiber	3.3 g
Sugars	4.5 g
Fat	0.7 g
Vitamin C	79 mg
Calcium	56 mg
Iron	0.64 mg
Magnesium	23 mg
Phosphorus	29 mg
Potassium	246 mg
Sodium	314 mg
Zinc	0.41 mg

These values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as growing conditions and specific varieties of horseradish. Additionally, the preparation method can impact the nutritional content, especially if it is mixed with other ingredients like vinegar or mayonnaise in prepared horseradish products.

Benefits of Horseradish

Here’s a list of some benefits of horseradish, explained in a way that’s easy to understand:

1. Rich in Nutrients: Horseradish is low in calories but packed with vitamins and minerals, like vitamin C, calcium, and potassium. These nutrients can help keep your body healthy and strong.
2. Boosts Immune System: Because it’s high in vitamin C, horseradish can help strengthen your immune system. A strong immune system can help you fight off colds and other illnesses.
3. Aids Digestion: Eating horseradish may help improve digestion. It can stimulate your stomach to produce more digestive juices, which helps break down food better. Some people find it helps with bloating too.
4. Natural Antimicrobial: Horseradish has antimicrobial properties, which means it can help fight off harmful bacteria. This is why some folks use it as a natural remedy to help with infections.
5. May Help with Respiratory Issues: The strong aroma of horseradish can help clear sinuses. If you have a stuffy nose, eating horseradish might help you breathe a little easier by thinning mucus.
6. Supports Weight Loss: Since it’s low in calories and can add flavor without the need for heavy sauces, horseradish can be a good addition to meals if you’re trying to lose weight. It can make food taste great without adding extra calories.
7. Pain Relief: Some people use horseradish for its potential pain-relieving properties. It can be used topically to help with muscle soreness or joint pain when mixed into a paste.

Overall, horseradish is more than just a spicy addition to your food.

Varieties of Horseradish

Here’s a list of some varieties of horseradish you might come across, along with some details about each one:

1. Common Horseradish: This is the most popular variety and the one you usually find in stores. It has a strong flavor and is used in sauces and condiments. The roots are thick and white, making them easy to grate.
2. Daikon Horseradish: Also known as Japanese horseradish, this variety has a milder taste compared to the common horseradish. It’s long and white, kind of like a big carrot, and is often used in Asian dishes. Daikon adds a nice crunch and a less intense flavor, which some people really enjoy.
3. Black Horseradish: This variety has a darker skin and a more potent flavor. It’s less common but is often used for medicinal purposes because of its stronger taste. Black horseradish roots can be a bit tougher, so they’re usually prepared in a way that softens them up.
4. White Horseradish: This is another milder variety, similar to Daikon. It’s often grown for its roots, which can be used in cooking. White horseradish is great for people who want that horseradish flavor without it being too overpowering.
5. Japanese Wasabi: Although not a true horseradish, wasabi is closely related. It has a similar spicy kick but is more subtle and sweet. Real wasabi can be quite rare and expensive, so many people settle for horseradish paste that’s flavored like wasabi.

Each variety of horseradish brings its own flavor and characteristics to the table, so whether you like it hot and strong or mild and crunchy, there’s a type out there for you.

What Does Horseradish Taste Like

Horseradish has a really unique taste that can be hard to describe. When you first bite into it, you get a sharp, spicy kick that hits you right away. It’s not like hot peppers; instead, it has this intense, pungent flavor that can make your nose tingle and your eyes water a bit. Some people compare it to mustard because of that sharpness, but horseradish has its own distinct bite. It’s earthy too, with a slightly bitter undertone that adds complexity. When it’s prepared as a sauce or paste, the heat can mellow out a bit, making it more pleasant to eat with foods like roast beef or in sandwiches.

How To Use Horseradish

Here’s a list of ways to use horseradish in your cooking and meals, explained simply:

1. Horseradish Sauce: This is probably the most popular way to use it. You can mix grated horseradish with sour cream or mayonnaise to create a creamy sauce. It’s perfect as a condiment for roast beef, sandwiches, or even seafood. Just a little bit can really elevate the dish!
2. As a Spice: You can add freshly grated horseradish directly to recipes. It works great in salad dressings, marinades, or dips. Just remember, a little goes a long way since it has a strong flavor!
3. In Soups and Stews: Adding horseradish to soups and stews can give them a nice kick. Try stirring some into beef stew or a hearty vegetable soup for an extra layer of flavor.
4. With Seafood: Horseradish pairs really well with seafood. You can use it in cocktail sauce for shrimp or mix it into a tartar sauce for fish. It brings out the flavors of the seafood and adds a nice spicy touch.
5. Pickling: You can add horseradish to pickling brine for veggies like cucumbers or beets. It adds a unique flavor that can make your pickles stand out.
6. In Potato Dishes: Grated horseradish can be mixed into mashed potatoes for a zesty twist. It’s a fun way to change up a classic dish and surprise your family or friends.
7. As a Topping: You can use prepared horseradish as a topping for steaks or burgers. Just spread a little on top before serving to give it that extra punch.

Using horseradish in these ways can really bring a burst of flavor to your meals. It’s versatile and can be added to many different dishes.

Substitute for Horseradish

Here’s a list of substitutes for horseradish that you can use if you can’t find it or if you just want to try something different:

1. Wasabi: This is probably the closest substitute for horseradish. Wasabi has a similar spicy kick and can be used in sauces or as a condiment for sushi. Just keep in mind that real wasabi is rare and expensive, so many people end up using a horseradish-based paste instead.
2. Prepared Mustard: Regular yellow mustard or even Dijon mustard can work in a pinch. Mustard has that sharp flavor, but it’s not quite as strong as horseradish. You might need to add a little extra to get the same level of heat.
3. Hot Sauce: If you like things spicy, hot sauce can be a good option. It won’t have the same flavor, but it can add heat to your dish. Just be careful not to overdo it, since hot sauce can vary in intensity.
4. Garlic: Fresh garlic or garlic powder can add a different kind of pungency to your dish. While it doesn’t replicate the heat of horseradish, it does bring a bold flavor that can enhance many recipes.
5. Ginger: Fresh ginger has a sharp and spicy flavor that can be a nice alternative. It’s particularly good in Asian dishes or marinades, where its zesty kick can shine through.
6. Radishes: Grated radishes can add a crunchy texture and a mild spiciness. While they aren’t as strong as horseradish, they can still bring some bite to salads or sandwiches.
7. Black Pepper: If you’re just looking for a bit of heat, freshly ground black pepper can add some spice to your dish. It’s not a direct substitute, but it can enhance flavors in a similar way.

Each of these substitutes brings its own flavor, so while they might not taste exactly like horseradish, they can still add some great heat and complexity to your cooking.

Where to Buy Horseradish

Here’s a list of places where you can buy horseradish, whether you’re looking for fresh roots or prepared products:

1. Grocery Stores: Most supermarkets carry horseradish in the produce section or the condiment aisle. You can often find fresh horseradish roots alongside other vegetables or pre-packaged horseradish sauces and dips.
2. Farmers’ Markets: If you want the freshest horseradish, check out local farmers’ markets. You might find vendors selling fresh roots, and they can sometimes offer different varieties. Plus, you get to support local farmers!
3. Specialty Food Stores: Stores that focus on gourmet or specialty foods often have a good selection of horseradish products. You might find unique flavors or organic options that you wouldn’t see in regular grocery stores.
4. Health Food Stores: Many health food stores carry fresh horseradish roots and organic versions of prepared horseradish. These places are great for finding high-quality ingredients and might even have horseradish in different forms, like powdered or pickled.
5. Online Retailers: If you can’t find horseradish locally, many online grocery services sell it. Websites like Amazon or specialty food retailers often have fresh horseradish, sauces, and even seeds if you’re interested in growing your own.
6. Local Farms: If you live in an area where horseradish is grown, you might be able to buy it directly from a farm. Some farms even have stands where you can pick up fresh produce right from the source.
7. Ethnic Markets: Stores that cater to specific cuisines, especially Asian or Eastern European markets, may have horseradish products. They often carry unique varieties and preparations that you might not find elsewhere.

Finding horseradish can be pretty easy if you check these places out.

How To Store Horseradish

Here’s a list of tips on how to store horseradish so it stays fresh and tasty for as long as possible:

Storing Fresh Roots

• Preparation: When you bring fresh horseradish home, don’t wash it right away. Washing can add moisture that speeds up spoilage. Instead, keep it dry until you’re ready to use it.
• Wrapping: Wrap the horseradish roots in a damp paper towel. This helps maintain moisture levels without creating excess water, which can lead to rot.
• Plastic Bag: Place the wrapped roots in a perforated plastic bag or a regular plastic bag with a few holes poked in it. This allows for airflow while keeping the roots protected.
• Refrigeration: Store the bag in the vegetable crisper drawer of your refrigerator. This drawer is designed to maintain humidity, which is ideal for keeping fresh produce like horseradish roots. Under these conditions, they can last about 2 to 4 weeks.

2. Storing Grated or Cut Horseradish

• Airtight Container: If you’ve already grated or cut horseradish, transfer it to a small airtight container. Glass jars work well because they don’t retain odors.
• Adding Vinegar: To enhance preservation, add enough vinegar to cover the grated horseradish. Vinegar acts as a preservative, helping to maintain both flavor and freshness. This method can keep it edible for up to 1 to 2 months in the fridge.
• Labeling: If you’re storing multiple containers, it’s a good idea to label them with the date. This way, you can keep track of how long it’s been stored.

3. Storing Prepared Horseradish Sauce

• Tightly Sealed: For commercial prepared horseradish sauce, ensure the lid is tightly sealed after each use. Exposure to air can cause it to lose flavor and spoil faster.
• Refrigeration: Once opened, store it in the refrigerator. Most brands will have a “best by” date on the label, but generally, it can last for 3 to 6 months if kept sealed and chilled.
• Checking for Freshness: Always check for off odors, changes in texture, or discoloration before using prepared horseradish. If it smells or looks unusual, it’s best to discard it.

4. Freezing Horseradish

• Freezing Fresh Roots: If you want to store horseradish for a longer period, you can freeze the whole roots. Start by peeling the roots and cutting them into smaller sections. This will make them easier to handle later on.
• Grated Horseradish: Grating the horseradish before freezing can be a great time-saver. Spread the grated horseradish in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze it for a couple of hours. Once frozen, transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container, and it won’t stick together.
• Storage Duration: Frozen horseradish can last for 6 to 12 months in the freezer. While the texture may change slightly once thawed, the flavor should remain strong.
• Using Frozen Horseradish: When you’re ready to use it, there’s no need to thaw it out beforehand if you’re adding it to soups, stews, or sauces. You can toss it in straight from the freezer.

5. Avoiding Light and Heat

• Cool, Dark Place: If you have a small amount of horseradish and choose not to refrigerate it (like if it’s in a pantry), store it in a cool, dark place away from heat sources. A kitchen cabinet works well, but make sure it’s not near the stove or oven.
• Temperature Fluctuations: Avoid temperature swings, as they can affect the freshness of horseradish. Keep it at a consistent temperature to help prolong its life.

By following these detailed storage tips, you can ensure your horseradish stays fresh, flavorful, and ready to enhance your dishes whenever you need it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Horseradish