Wild Radish

Raphanus raphanistrum

Physical Characteristics

Raphanus raphanistrum is a ANNUAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft). It is not frost tender. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Europe, including Britain, from Norway south to N. Africa.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Leaves Oil Seed Seedpod Edible Uses: Condiment Oil Young leaves - raw or cooked[2, 105]. A somewhat hot taste, they are finely cut and added to salads or used as a potherb[183]. It is best to use just the young leaves in spring, older leaves soon become bitter[9]. Seed - raw or cooked. A very pungent flavour, the seed can be ground into a powder and made into a paste when it is an excellent substitute for mustard[2, 9, 115, 183]. The sprouted seeds have a somewhat hot spicy flavour and are a tasty addition to salads[183]. Flowers - raw. A nice addition to salads. The flower buds are used as a broccoli substitute, they should be lightly steamed for no more than 5 minutes[9]. Young seedpods - raw. Crisp and juicy, they must be eaten when young because they quickly become tough and fibrous[K]. An edible oil is obtained from the seed[115].

Medicinal Uses

Antirheumatic Antirheumatic[13].

Known Hazards

None known