It’s Farm Fact Friday, everyone! This week we’re talking about watermelon radish, a variety we sometimes grow on the farm during the fall season. Watermelon radish has light green skin and a lovely pink-red color inside that makes it visually appealing and gives it its “watermelon” name.
Watermelon radish is originally from China, and comes from the daikon radish family, and can be referred to as “shinrimei” or “xin li mei,” which can mean “in one’s heart, it is beautiful.” The saying means someone with a plain outside can have a beautiful, vibrant heart. It’s often used in Asian cuisine, adding color and a slightly peppery kick to the dishes it’s added to, often used raw, pickled, or roasted.
Watermelon radish has high levels of folate and vitamin C, plus it contains calcium, magnesium, and potassium, making it a low calorie and healthy addition to things like salads, sandwiches, and dishes you’d like to add color to.
