Country horseradish (Armoracia rusticana syn. Cochlearia armoracia), also called Capuchin mustard, German mustard, cranson, cran de Bretagne, horse radish or Alsatian wasabi, is a perennial, very hardy condiment plant, originating in Eastern Europe, but widely cultivated in Alsace. It tends to exhaust the soil and after the uprooting of its root, there is always a burst of stump in the soil which will make a new foot, without making it an invasive plant.
Horseradish forms a large clump recognizable by its large lanceolate, rough, toothed, dark green, deciduous leaves, which can reach 60 centimeters, as well as by its small white flowers in clusters which bloom from June to August at the top of a stem climbing up to 1m.
It is the thick, fleshy, cylindrical roots, going deep into the ground, that interest the gardener and the cook. Yellowish-white in color, with white flesh, it is this root that is grated to flavor meats and sauces, especially in Germany, Eastern Europe, England (horseradish sauce) and the United States (Fast -food). The flavor is very strong, pungent and peppery, with the taste of burning mustard, by the way “horseradish” means “strong root”.
Horseradish also has therapeutic properties, including digestive, stimulant, diuretic and antiscorbutic properties. It is a plant rich in vitamin C and mineral salts. The essential oil extracted from its roots is also used to treat sinus infections. Apart from its roots, the young leaves of horseradish are also eaten in salads.
- Family : Brassicaceae
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Kind : perennial herb -
Origin : Eastern Europe -
Flower color: white flowers, dark green leaves -
Sowing: No -
Cutting: Yes -
Planting: spring -
Harvest : From September onwards - Height : 60cm
Ideal soil and exposure for planting horseradish in the vegetable garden
Horseradish is a plant without soil requirements. However, favor humus-rich and well-drained soils, in a sunny or semi-shaded position.
Date of cuttings and planting of horseradish
The horseradish root cutting is done in the spring by “splinters” of the roots 8 to 10 cm long.
The planting of horseradish is planned in the spring, thinking carefully about the place because, once in place, after the uprooting, there will always be a burst of stump to revive a plant… it will be good difficult to separate you from his presence in the vegetable garden!
Council of maintenance and culture of horseradish
Horseradish requires virtually no maintenance. To prevent the roots from being too hard, horseradish needs watering in case of severe drought.
Harvesting, storing and using horseradish
Harvested from September, outside the flowering period, on plants that can be 2 years old, horseradish can be stored in sand, in a silo.
Store leftover uneaten horseradish fresh in the refrigerator.
The grated fresh roots are used like mustard, but with a tenfold strong flavor.
Diseases, pests and parasites of horseradish
Horseradish is not susceptible to disease or attacks from any pests or pests although it can still fall victim to crucifer white rust, downy mildew or snails.
Species and varieties of horseradish recommended for planting in the garden
Country horseradish (Armoracia rusticana syn. Cochlearia armoracia) is the type species, the one that is cultivated, with its cultivar, Armoricia rusticana variegatawith foliage variegated with white, essentially decorative.
The cochlear officinalis (Cochlearia officinalis) also called horseradish or spoon grass, does not look like its cousin: its leaves are thicker, rounder, like little spoons.