For many, radishes are an acquired taste; for others, a salad just is not complete without a thinly sliced helping of the edible root. In South Florida, spring and summer are the seasons for sweeter, crunchier radishes, from heirloom varieties like the Bunny Tail (mostly red with white tip) and Sicily Giant (as the name suggests, a large variety) to the more interesting color offerings like Snow Belle (white) and Plum Purple.
Punta Gorda grower Worden Farm has a vast array of radishes popping out of the ground, and its all organic. The D’Avignon variety is the best bang for the buck, almost carrot-esque in shape, growing long, tapered, it has that classic radish red color with a white tip and great in salads or stir-fry. For those looking for a radish with striking color, red heart radish is the roots for you: As the name suggests, these beauties have a deep red to purple flesh that is crisp and mild, a less spicy variety that’s great on its own or turned into a slaw.
Worden Farm‘s produce can be found at the North Naples Green Market on Saturdays through May. IBERIABANK Centre, 1465 Golden Gate Parkway.
Florida Relish for Hotdogs
April means one thing: baseball. For that ballpark hotdog, this radish-heavy relish makes for the perfect condiment. Give this Fresh From Florida recipe a try.
Florida Relish for Hotdogs
Serves 8
- 2 fresh tomatoes, diced
- 1 cucumber, seeded and chopped
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 red onion, diced
- 6 radishes, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- kosher salt to taste
- freshly ground pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 package kosher hot dogs
- 1 package hot dog buns
In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except hot dogs and buns and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes. Grill hot dogs, place on buns and top with relish.
Recipe and hotdog image courtesy of Chef Justin Timineri and the Florida Department of Consumer Services.
Facebook Comments