Herb of the Year Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana)2011
The International Herb Association selects the Herb of the Year. This professional trade association provides educational, service and development opportunities for those involved in herbal endeavors
The Horseradish plant, a member of the mustard family, has been traced back as early as the 1500’s in Egypt.
It was used by the early Europeans, as early as 1597. for medical purposes. The Horseradish plant is full of nutrients like vitamin C, iron, calcium, potassium and zinc to name a few.
Horseradish, when grown in the garden, is a very lush plant. It can reach heights of 2-3 feet and width of the same dimension. Horseradish is a cool weather plant. It can be planted in a sunny place and will thrive in rich well drained soil. Dig and till the ground 18 to 24 inches deep, add compost or manure. The young root cuttings should be straight and 8-12 inches long and ½ inch across. Place the root in a hole wide end up and thin side down. The wide end should be slightly elevated. The hole should be 12 inches deep and spaced about 18 inches apart. Cover the root and weed regularly.
Harvest your Horseradish in the fall. Your first year plants are more tender and make the best horseradish. Plants left in the ground longer than a year can be used but tend to be more pithy and are prone to disease. Keep the roots in your refrigerator or a cold root cellar until you are ready to use them. To preserve the roots you first need to remove the brown outer skin, then you can grate or put into a food processor. The fumes from grinding are very strong so make sure you grate the roots in a well ventilated room. Adding ice in the food processor will keep fumes down. If using the food processor, remove the lid carefully and do not inhale the fumes. Leave them set for 5-10 minutes and combine with white vinegar ,rice or white wine vinegar is good …1/4- 1/3 cup of vinegar to 2 cups of grated horseradish, salt to taste. Place into sterilized jars, seal and refrigerate. Do this in small amounts as it will keep about 3 months in the refrigerator. To keep horseradish hot you need to keep it cold.
Horseradish is used as a relish with meats and shellfish.. Many people will be surprised that is goes well with all types of potatoes, deviled eggs, can be added to soups, stews and can be grated with apples and pears for a dessert. There are many recipes available online and in herbal magazines and cookbooks. It is a versatile plant.
Maybe now is the time to try a few plants in your garden.
The International Herb Association selects the Herb of the Year. This professional trade association provides educational, service and development opportunities for those involved in herbal endeavors
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