Radish Greens

What are radish greens

The leaves of different varieties of radishes are collectively known as radish greens, with daikon greens being one of the most popular varieties.

Can you eat radish greens

Mostly sold with their roots attached, the leafy greens of radishes are a healthy addition to your daily diet due to the presence of several vitamins and minerals.

Radish Greens

Description

Radish greens comprise of a rosette of wide, rough textured leaves that are pinnately divided with a large terminal lobe, and smaller lateral lobes, measuring about 13 cm long from the top of the root. They have a characteristic peppery, yet somewhat pungent flavor, similar to radishes.

Radish Plant

Nutrition facts

Given below is the nutritional value of 200g of radish greens.

Nutrients	Amount
Energy	50 cal
Protein	4.4 g
Carbohydrate	10.6 g
Dietary fiber	8 g
Fat	0.2 g
Vitamins
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)	0.18 mg
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)	0.32 mg
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)	1 mg
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)	0.52 mg
Vitamin B6	0.36 mg
Vitamin B9 (Folate)	280 μg
Vitamin C	106 mg
Vitamin K	540 μg
Vitamin E	7.6 mg
Vitamin A equiv.	660 μg
Minerals
Sodium	96 mg
Magnesium	44 mg
Potassium	800 mg
Calcium	520 mg
Manganese	0.54 mg
Iron	6.2 mg
Zinc	0.6 mg
Phosphorus	104 mg
Copper	0.08 mg

Health benefits: Are radish greens good for you

Blood pressure regulation

Too much of sodium and too little of potassium might result in an imbalance of the minerals, increasing the risk of high blood pressure as well as several heart ailments. While some studies have shown the anti-hypertensive effects of radish tops, its high potassium content has positive effects on the sodium-potassium balance, helping in controlling blood pressure. As a result, its consumption may also be beneficial for cardiac ailments such as arrhythmia.

For anemia

Being a good source of iron, vitamin A, vitamin C, phosphorus and thiamine, the greens help in minimizing fatigue and balancing the hemoglobin levels, managing iron-deficiency anemia as well. In fact, incorporating them into your regular diet, along with other iron-rich and vitamin C-containing foods, can also help in preventing iron-deficiency anemia in pregnant women. However, make sure you speak to your physician regarding a safe diet during pregnancy.

Radish Green

Immunity

Incorporating daikon greens in your regular diet might be useful in building a strong immune system due to the presence of Vitamin C that plays a role in boosting the production of white blood cells for fighting against infections and promoting faster healing of damaged tissues.

Anti-inflammatory properties

Certain compounds present in the leaves of daikon are believed to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects, which may help in cutting the risk of inflammatory conditions of the joint such as gout and arthritis.

Green Radish

Effects on the digestive system

As dietary fibers function as a laxative by bulking up the stools and easing bowel movements, radish greens are considered one of the preferred leaf vegetables for providing relief from constipation and bloating.

For scurvy

The vitamin C content of the leafy greens might be useful in reducing the symptoms of scurvy as researches have shown the vitamin to have antiscorbutic properties.

Besides containing antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, several nutrients in the greens are beneficial for eliminating toxic wastes from the body. In addition to having anti-cancer properties, radish greens might be beneficial for regulating blood sugar levels, helping in preventing diabetes.

Radish Greens Pictures

Uses

Edible uses

The greens are often used alone or stirred with the leafy tops of turnip and spinach to make curries, soups, and also added to other cooked vegetable preparations.
The traditional North Indian cuisines, dal, and kadhi are often cooked with daikon leaves.
Dried daikon leaves are boiled and flavored to make potherbs while the young leaves are used along with the fleshy roots for preparing a Korean dish chonggak kimchi.
The fresh and tender radish greens can be eaten raw when used in salads and sandwiches.
The leafy tops along with the radish are often blended with kale, dandelion, and spinach to prepare green smoothies.

Radish Greens Salad

Radish Leaves

Medicinal uses

Paste prepared by mixing equal amounts of radish green powder and sugar with water can either be applied near the anal region or directly consumed for treating piles.
The juice of radish leaves has diuretic properties, being consumed for managing bladder stones and jaundice.

How to prepare and cook

How to clean

Wash the leaves thoroughly under cold running water to remove any debris. Rinsing the greens several times may be necessary to clean them well. After removing any dry or damaged leaf from the bunch, hold the bottom firmly in one hand and chop the leaves into small pieces. Radish greens attached to their roots must be cut off at the base before cleaning.

How to sauté

Heat some olive oil or butter in a frying pan set over a medium flame
Add the chopped leaves to the pan
Cook until the greens begin to wilt. Fry them covered or uncovered for another 10 minutes till they become soft.

Radish Green Soup

Recipes

Spicy stir fried radish greens
Radish greens pesto
Radish greens top soup
Roasted radishes with radish greens
Radish greens and avocado quiche
Sauteed daikon greens with onion, garlic, and lemon
Radish greens and pasta
Eggs with radish greens and bacon
Radish leaves chutney

Radish Green Recipe

Substitutes

In case you do not have radish greens at hand, use mustard greens instead to get a similar peppery flavor in your preparations.

Can radish greens be bad for you

Although eating radish tops do not cause any adverse effects, overconsumption should be avoided.

Where to buy

Fresh radish greens can be purchased from any local marketplace or vegetable and fruit grocery store. When buying the leafy tops along with radishes, select fleshy roots with fresh and crispy leaves, discarding the yellowing and wilted ones.

How to store

For storing, the greens must be separated from their roots, wrapped in a paper towel and put into a perforated bag before placing them in the refrigerator. Fresh leaves have a shelf life of a couple of days.

References