Ravishing Florida Radishes

By: Julie Blakley | May 13 2010
Posted in Find It - Lake Worth, FL

On a recent trip to Palm Beach County, Florida, I visited Maria’s Produce Market in Lake Worth. I was impressed by the piles of farm-fresh and locally grown produce—as well as many fruits and vegetables I hadn’t seen since being in Central America —but I was instantly drawn to the pile of beautifully bright, red radishes with lush, deep green stems.

Photo: Julie Blakley

Radishes have been a long time favorite of mine. My French grandmother had taught me to love them sliced and eaten with a little smear of butter, bread (good French bread, of course) and a sprinkle of salt as an accompaniment to an aperitif. But I have also long loved radishes as a garnish and salad or slaw ingredient.

I of course bought the fresh Florida-grown radishes and after some research discovered that Florida has historically been a major producer of radishes since about the 1930’s. While production has drastically declined since the 1980’s (due to a decline in popularity), Florida still produces a lot of radishes, which are usually grown during the cool winter season in the swampy lakes and everglade regions.

Radishes are also a popular home garden vegetable since they are easy to grow and mature quickly.

Some Radish Tips:

How to know they’re fresh—Squeeze radishes to be sure they are not mushy. Don’t buy radishes if the tops are yellow or if there is any sign of decay.

How to store—Store radishes in a perforated plastic bag in the crisper area of the refrigerator. Radishes will keep for about three to five days.

How to eat ‘em—Always wash radishes thoroughly under cold running water before eating. Trim the top and bottom of the radish with a sharp paring knife. Radishes are wonderful in salads and slaws; they add color, texture and flavor.

Find Maria’s Market in Lake Worth, Florida:

7595 Military Trail, Lake Worth, Florida

561-963-1137