The Chinese radish is also known as daikon Japanese radish Oriental radish winter radish and black radish. The black radish tuber is oddly enough white. Chinese radish originated in the Orient as did the common spring or summer radish. Chinese radishes have extremely large roots some weighing up to 100 pounds. Most are in the 10-20 pound class at full maturity. These big late maturing radishes were known in Europe much earlier than the smaller kinds. Chinese radishes grown in Florida vegetable garden soils often reach 20 or more pounds.Unlike spring radishes this type of radish is usually cooked rather than eaten fresh. In Asia larger daikon type radishes are important sources of food. They are cooked in various ways and preserved by pickling or drying. From one variety or another the leaves stems flowering shoots seed pods seeds sprouts and roots are eaten. Powdered radish root can be conveniently substituted for fresh radish in most recipes.Raw radishes contain large amounts of diatase an enzyme that aids in the digestion of starches. Maybe that’s why the Japanese always serve radishes with rice dishes and the Europeans serve radishes with breads and breakfast cereals. Radishes contain many of the same anti-oxidants and cancer fighting compounds as other members of the crucifer family such as broccoli cabbage and kale.They are a traditional treatment for digestive problems.The 1997 Commission E on Phytotherapy and Herbal Substances of the German Federal Institute for Drugs recommends Radish roots ‘Raphanus sativus L. var. niger… Radish contains mustard oil glycosides and essential oil. Uses: Peptic disorders especially those related to dyskinesia of the bile ducts catarrhs of the upper respiratory tract. Contraindications: Cholelithiasis (gall stones).’ ‘Average daily dosage: 50 - 100 ml pressed juice. Mode of Administration: Pressed juice for oral use. Actions: Secretagogue for the upper gastrointestinal tract; Motility promoting;

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