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Daikon radish

Ravanello Daikon | Flick on Food

This fat burning radish from Japan is perfect as an appetizer!

Origin

The daikon, also known as a white radish or mooli, is a type of radish originating in Japan. Part of the same family as cabbage, its leaves resemble those of a turnip. Although it’s not yet very well known in Italy or around Europe, this root vegetable is very wide spread in Asia, especially in India and China. The name daikon is literally translated as ‘big root’, and in fact, its edible root is very similar to a carrot but white in color and much greater in size. They average about 25cm in length and 10cm in diameter, with bunches of green leaves at the top. In Italy, the company Pianta Natura cultivates microgreens, including daikon radishes. The daikon is very crunchy with a bold, sharp flavor. While it’s not well known in Italy, it’s a pillar of traditional Japanese cuisine, as well as many parts of Asia. Thanks to its numerous curative properties, it’s used throughout the Orient as a natural remedy for various illnesses and conditions.

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THE IMMERSIVE FOOD EXPERIENCE
WITH PIANTANATURA

Cookit

Daikon radishes are quite versatile in the kitchen, along with being nutrient-rich and full of health benefits. Their flavor is similar to other radishes but more peppery – almost spicy, especially in the lower part of the root. This part of the vegetable is typically steamed and then sauteed. The part nearer to the top is a bit sweeter, so it can be eaten raw, either grated or shaved. It’s also nice roasted, and goes well with other vegetables. It’s ideal for enhancing a simple salad, dressed with olive oil and herbs. It can also be a side for fish-based recipes, or an ingredient in soups. It’s widely used by chefs to lend a touch of color and unique flavor to their dishes.

Did you know

n Japan, the daikon is especially celebrated for its fat burning abilities. It’s normally served raw in thin shavings at the end of a meal of fatty or fried (like tempura). But that isn’t the only benefit of this root vegetable. It’s been found to be a true ally for health and wellbeing. It’s popular in weight loss diets because is has very few calories: 15 per 100 grams. It’s also rich in minerals like calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron and phosphorus, as well as vitamin C, B group vitamins and fiber. It’s recommended to help reduce water retention and cellulite. And it can even help clear out mucus so it’s a useful natural remedy for coughs and colds.

Variety

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