Radish

Radish is understood to be native to somewhere between the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. Wild radish roots were eaten in Ancient Egypt since 2700 BC, and cultivated radish types were domesticated in the region sometime later.

We are so happy to have some small radishes back in the box this week. This succession was seeded a day after the solstice, and they’ve been slowing growing through the cold. They are one of our favourite crops to grow and eat ~ very happy to welcome them back into our kitchen and yours.

Wild coastal radish going to seed.

Radish is understood to be native to somewhere between the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. Wild radish roots were eaten in Ancient Egypt since 2700 BC, and cultivated radish types were domesticated in the region sometime later. Radish was introduced and cultivated in China almost 2500 years ago, and in Japan 1300 years ago.

Some researchers believe that varieties of wild radish are also native to some coastal areas of Japan. These researchers argue that perhaps these native Japanese species of radish crossed with feral populations of introduced domesticated species, to form modern varieties. Its pretty beautiful, these researchers argue that this crossing happened by way of seeds being carried by tides and ocean currents.