Horseradish Root Cuttings

Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) is a hardy perennial plant in the Brassicaceae family which is grown primarily for its roots to make a spicy condiment. Variations of horseradish sauce are used throughout Europe. Grated horseradish root and vinegar normally serves as the base and may be tweaked with sugar, lemon juice, mustard, garlic, mayonnaise or cream.

The intact root is harmless when harvested. It is after the the flesh is ‘damaged’ through cutting or grating that the enzymes get working to produce the pungent mustard oil compounds.  At this stage horseradish is at its most potent and is very irritating to the eyes and mucus membranes. Even in vinegar this pungency will mellow and weaken over a few weeks.

The young leaves are also nice to eat steamed and have a mild flavour. As the plant grows later in the season the leaves get large and resemble overgrown dock leaves. As this stage they are a bit too tough to bother eating. Horseradish has been used though antiquity and is commonly referred to for traditional medicinal use.

You will receive 3 root cuttings in compost. Once you have horseradish you never need to replant it and can easily propagate further from root cuttings. In fact, think twice about where you put it as is not easy to get rid of once established. Will grow in any reasonable soil with sun or partial shade. Deep rooted and clump forming horseradish plants can reach a height of 60cm or so. Being deep rooted it is also a good mineral accumulator.

Delivered within Ireland only.