Should radish greens be removed immediately after harvest?
Written by
Nguyen Minh
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.By quickly removing radish greens, you'll maintain the quality of the root and retain more nutrients. Greens remove moisture from the roots, causing them to wilt within 24 hours. The tops should be removed from the roots as soon as possible after harvest. I store the tops separately for cooking and keep the roots in the refrigerator to maintain crispness.
Separation Technique
- Cut greens ½ inch above root crown using sharp scissors
- Remove damaged outer leaves immediately after cutting
- Rinse greens gently in cold water to remove soil
- Pat dry with paper towels before storage or use
Nutritional Benefits
- Greens contain 6x more vitamin C than roots
- Rich source of calcium and potassium
- Higher iron content than spinach per ounce
- Antioxidant levels peak within 4 hours of harvest
Storage Methods
- Refrigerate in airtight containers with damp paper towels
- Use within 3 days for maximum nutrient retention
- Blanch and freeze for long-term preservation
- Dehydrate at 115°F (46°C) for nutrient-dense powder
Digress radish greens into food ingredients. Puree into pesto with some basil and pine nuts. Sauté with garlic for a nutritious side. Toss in raw baby leaves for peppery flavor in salads. In quiches, I replace spinach with them or mix greens with them for flavor depth.
Store roots correctly after removing greens. Keep dirty roots in perforated plastic bags. Keep humidity (~90-95%) in the fridge. Consume within 3 weeks for optimal quality. For longer-term storage, store 1-2 layers in damp sand at 32-40°F (0-4°C). I have a crisper drawer specifically for storing roots.
Freeze or dehydrate excess greens. Blanch them in boiling water for 90 seconds, followed by an ice bath shock. Lay them flat on baking sheets to freeze, then bag them. Dehydrate them at a low temperature for the best nutrients. You can make powdered greens for nutrient boost in a soup or smoothie. Using summer harvests for winter nutrition is the key to food preservation.
Read the full article: 3 Signs to Know When to Harvest Radishes
