The horseradish (Armoracia rusticana, syn. Cochlearia armoracia) is a perennial plant of the Brassicaceae family. This root vegetable is usually used as a spice and is related to mustard, wasabi, broccoli, and cabbage. It is thought that the horseradish originated in south eastern Europe and western Asia. Information about this interesting root vegetable is available from the Horseradish Information Council.
Health Benefits of Horseradish
The powerful and pungent taste of the horseradish is connected to a vast range to benefits. The healthy properties of this vegetable root are mostly due to its high nutrient and mineral content. This includes dietary fiber, vitamin C, folate, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and manganese, as well as its organic chemical composition of enzymes and oils.
Horseradish has been associated with health benefits like weight loss, lowering blood pressure, improved breathing and strengthening bones. The horseradish is also known to be beneficiary to the immune and digestive systems and to promote heart health and prevent cancer.
Horseradish sauce
The distinctive pungent taste of horseradish sauce comes from grated horseradish root and vinegar. Some recipes see the vegetable root grated and combined with lime, garlic or mayonnaise. The original horseradish sauce is a very popular condiment in various countries, most notably the United Kingdom and Poland. It is served with the traditional Sunday roast beef, and is also used in sandwiches and salads.
Home-made Horseradish sauce
Particularly when consumed from a store-bought sauce, pay attention to the sodium and sugar content of the recipe. Although horseradish is usually consumed in small amounts, the sodium and sugar calories of processed foods should be taken into consideration, particularly for people who have health concerns. This is why one could consider preparing one’s own home-made horseradish sauce.
The Nam Khan Project, is a fully-fledged and functioning Permaculture eco farm, which features a wide range of plants, fruits, herbs and spices. Our fresh, organic and vitamin-rich produce serves as the base ingredients for our own restaurant. Visit us to taste the difference!
