Growing Horseradish

GROW YOUR OWN HORSERADISH

Horseradish is a long, tapering root used as a condiment in the kitchens. The root has a strong, hot, and sharp flavor, which can be only be described after experiencing its unique taste! When growing horseradish in your garden, start by root cuttings, called sets. Schedule your planting in early spring, after the soil thaws. Plan to harvest the horseradish late fall, in October or November or wait until spring. Don't plant the horseradish on the same plot of land more than once every three or four years. Horseradish grows weed-like and doesn't mind being neglected. It's invasive, and if you throw it into your garden, you can expect it to overtake it in time.

Planting And Growing

• Horseradish is grown from pieces of root which are known as sets. You can grow horseradish from root cuttings purchased from a seed catalog, or you can acquire pieces of root from a friend who grows horseradish. 
• Any gardener who grows horseradish will have plenty of root cuttings to share.
• Tilt the garden to a depth of 8 to 10 inches to turn over the soil, adding in 10-10-10 fertilizer at a rate of 1 lb. per 100 square feet. 
• Allow the soil to settle for a few days before planting your crop.
• Plant sets vertically, 2 to 3 inches deep, spacing each 12 inches apart.
• Mulch the area around each plant with compost or leaves, after seedlings appear. Pull up weeds.
• Keep the soil evenly moist so that the roots will be tender and full of flavor; horseradish gets woody in dry soils.
• Horseradish plants do require a little bit of maintenance. The plants should be lifted and stripped a couple of times during the growing season. 
• Lifting and stripping means to remove the soil around the crown of the plant, raise it up, and remove the small roots on the crown and sides of the main root. 
• This encourages the main root to gain size. Also, remove all but the best sprout or crown of leaves. The plant and soil are then returned to its original position.
• If you are concerned that the horseradish will encroach upon another plant's territory, it can also be grown in a large pot. 
• Make sure the pot has ample drainage, and use a fluffy, well-draining potting mix to grow horseradish. 
• Another way to limit horseradish's wandering habit is to create a barrier around the horseradish. 
• Remove the bottom of a large plastic tub and bury the bottomless tub in the soil surrounding the horseradish.

Harvesting And Storage

• Harvest horseradish in late autumn or early spring before new growth occurs. November is a great month to harvest horseradish from your garden.
• To get the root out of the ground, you have to dig it up; you can't pull it up very easily. And if the top of the root is green and growing, cut off the top and replant it. You could end up with more plants.
• Try to use horseradish as soon after cutting as possible. 
• You can store cut roots for a few weeks in the refrigerator, but the longer they are store, the more dry they become. 
• It's best to use horseradish soon.To use harvested horseradish, peel or scrape the roots first. Then use a grater or blender to shred the roots.

Few Health Benefits Of Horseradish

• High In Vitamin C- Horseradish contains a good amount of the powerful antioxidant, vitamin C. Vitamin c helps reduce the effects of free radical damage in the body, a known cause of cancer. It also boosts the immune system and supports the body's fight against flu, the common cold and other bacterial and viral infections.
• Sinus Relief- Juice taken from the horseradish root has been known to help clear the sinuses and ease sinus discomfort. It may be an effective treatment for sinusitis. However, this theory remains unproven.
• Pain Relief- Used topically, horseradish is known to soothe muscle pain and joint discomfort. It has also been proven effective against headaches. It helps stimulate blood flow to the skin's surface and to inflamed areas.
• Digestive Health- Horseradish is considered a potent gastric stimulant. This means it is known to help stimulate the appetite and aid in digestion by helping the intestines secrete digestive enzymes.

Horseradish And Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Ingredients

• 5 Medium-Large Yukon Gold or Russet Potatoes
• 1 C Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Shredded
• 1/4 C Horseradish Sauce
• 1/2 C Milk
• 2 tbsp Butter or Margarine
• 2 tsp. Kosher Salt
• 1 tsp. Black Pepper

Directions

• Peel potatoes and cut into eighths. Place in a pot of cold water. Once all the potatoes are in the pot, drain the water, and add fresh cold water, filling the pot 3/4 full.
• Boil the potatoes until tender (stick a fork in the potatoes, if the potato falls off then they are done).
• Drain the potatoes, pour into a large mixing bowl.
• Add the milk and butter, using a electric mixer, mix on medium until the potatoes are smooth and creamy.
• Working quickly to keep the potatoes hot so that the cheese will melt, add the horseradish sauce and cheddar cheese, mixing until all the cheese has melted in.
• Add the salt and pepper to taste.