All About Horseradish

Horseradish's scientific name (or binomial name) is Armoracia Rusticana. It is a perennial plant from the Brassicaceae family, which includes wasabi, broccoli, mustard and cabbage. It is most commonly grown for its root and can grow as tall as five feet. The root itself has no smell, but when grated, enzymes from the plant break down a glucosinolate called sinigrin, which produce a type of mustard oil called allyl isothiocyanate. Once the root has been grated it must be used, or mixed in vinegar, in order for it to keep its zest. If it is left exposed to air and heat it will darken and become unpleasantly bitter.

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Nutritional value*

Horseradish contains potassium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus, as well as volatile oils, such as mustard oil (which has antibacterial properties due to the antibacterial mechanism of allyl isothiocyanate). Fresh, the plant contains average 79.31 mg of vitamin C per 100 g of raw horseradish.

*www.wikipedia.com

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Horseradish Stats*

• In the U.S. an estimated 24 million pounds of horseradish roots are ground and processed annually to produce approximately 6 million gallons of prepared horseradish -- enough to generally season sandwiches to reach 12 times around the world.
• The "hotness" from horseradish comes from isothiocyanate, a volatile compound that, when oxidized by air and saliva, generates the "heat" that some people claim clears out their sinuses.
• Horseradish dates back 3,000 years and has been used as an aphrodisiac, a treatment for tuberculosis, a rub for low back pain, a bitter herb for Passover and an accompaniment for corned beef, chicken and seafood.
• Horseradish is a hardy perennial member of the Cruciferae or mustard family and is harvested in the spring and fall. Its cousins are kale, cauliflower, Brussel sprouts and the radish.
• One tablespoon of horseradish has only six calories and no-fat. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute recommends horseradish as part of a healthy, low-fat diet because of its fat-free, high-flavor qualities.

*Horseradish Information Council – www.horseradish.org

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Medicinal uses*

Known to have diuretic properties, the roots have been used to treat various minor health problems, including urinary tract infections, bronchitis, sinus congestion, ingrowing toenails and coughs. Compounds found in horseradish have been found to kill some bacterial strains

*Pleasant, Barbara (Oct-November 2003). "Horseradish". Mother Earth News. Retrieved 2007-07-01.

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For additonal information on horseradish , visit www.horseradish.org or www.wikipedia.org.

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All About Horseradish | Horseradish FAQs | Horseradish Translated

 

• All About Horseradish
• Horseradish FAQs
• Horseradish Translated

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