What They Taste Like and How to Use Them

You’re familiar with common red radishes and perhaps others like Easter egg and watermelon. Now radishes in a colorful array of shapes, sizes, and flavor profiles from around the globe are also available. Here are a few types of radishes to seek out at farmers markets or try growing at home. Plus, we’re sharing our favorite radish recipes.

What Are Radishes?

Radishes are a root vegetable that comes in a variety of sizes and colors. You can eat them raw or cooked. You can even saute, roast, or pickle radishes. Many different radish varieties can be used interchangeably, so experiment to find the ones you enjoy most. And don’t toss the greens! Add them to salads or sauté in garlic and olive oil for a simple side.

What Do Radishes Taste Like?

The flavor of radishes varies greatly from variety to variety. Some are very mild in flavor, while others can be quite spicy. Generally, the red globe variety available at most grocery stores is on the milder side, while black radishes have a more intense flavor. Our Test Kitchen recommends trying radishes on their own to see which flavor profile you like best.

Common Types of Radishes

French Breakfast

Known for its long, slender shape with distinctive white tip, the versatile variety tastes delicious both cooked and raw.

Bacchus

Round in shape with rich purple skin, this radish can become quite spicy. Try it stir-fried or roasted to tame the heat. 

Shunk Yo Semi-Long

With rhubarblike stems and a cylindrical shape, this variety from northern China is equal parts hot and sweet.

Nero Tondo

The black Spanish heirloom radish has a sharp, peppery flavor reminiscent of horseradish.

Alpine

The most common type used for kimchi in Korea, this oblong white radish measures 5 to 8 inches.

Helios

Named after the Greek god of the sun, the golden round radish has crisp, white flesh and a mild, sweet flavor. 

KN-Bravo

With its pretty white and purple starburst-like flesh, this sweet-flavor variety lends lovely color to salads.

Sora

Bright red and uniformly round, this radish has succulent white flesh and is easy to grow—especially in hot, dry climates. 

How to Grow Radishes

Radishes are an easy seed-sown crop. Some varieties can be harvested after only a few weeks, making them an especially satisfying option for kids (or any impatient gardener) to grow.

1. Plant Smart: Radishes do best when seeds are sown in the cool, moist days of early spring. They prefer full sun and well-draining soil and will do just as well in a container or window box as in the ground. Here’s a look at the best companion plants for radishes.
2. Sow Seeds: Sow seeds an inch apart about ½ inch deep. Check the seed package for guidelines and allow more space for larger varieties.
3. Let Germinate: Cover seeds and tamp the soil down with your fingers, then water well. Seeds germinate in 4 to 7 days.
4. Keep Moist: Regular moisture yields the best radishes, so you may need to water every few days.
5. Harvest: Pick radishes according to the maturity date listed on the seed packets— they get tough and pithy if not harvested promptly.

How to Store Radishes

Cut off the green radish tops for longer storage. Radishes will stay fresh in the refrigerator 3 to 4 weeks.

How to Cook with Radishes

There are so many ways to cook with radishes. Try eating them with butter, bread, and salt. Or, thinly slice them and add them to a salad. If you want to try cooking radishes, we love making this sheet pan dinner with Roasted Salmon and Radishes. Roasted radishes are also delicious in this Beet Salad. For a new take on veggie crudite, try poaching radishes and serving them with a tangy Walnut Sauce.