The International Herb Association has named horseradish its 2011 Herb of the Year. Wait – don’t stop reading because you don’t like horseradish – you’ll be surprised at the ways it can be used. More about that later.
Horseradish is easy to grow. Typically, you’ll buy roots and plant them in early spring. It grows best in loose, rich soil and needs plenty of space because the roots grow horizontally rather than downward. Horseradish is a perennial plant, so put it in a corner of your garden where it won’t be disturbed.
The roots you buy will be straight-cut at one end and slant-cut at the other end. Space the cuttings 12-18 inches apart, placing them at a 45° angle with the straight-cut end about 3 inches below the soil surface and the angle-cut end down lower. If you reverse the position of the root, planting them upside down, the plants won’t grow nearly as well. Cover the roots with compost or well-rotted manure. Water well and often and keep the bed weed-free.
Mulch the rows after active growth has started. Apply a liquid fish or seaweed fertilizer or compost tea in late August when the plant is making its most important root growth.
Young, tender leaves can be harvested to add zing to your salad bowl, but the roots are the part of the plant used most often. They are dug up after a few light frosts in fall. To grow more for the next year, save some of the best lateral roots, those near the top of the main root. Make a straight cut close to the main root and a slant cut at the bottom end so you’ll remember which way is up. Plant the roots right back in the garden for next year. If you decide not to continue growing horseradish, make sure you dig up every tiny piece of root, as every miniscule piece will produce a plant.
Horseradish is known for its heat. That heat can be put to use. Inhaling it will clear your sinuses faster than any over-the-counter medicine on the market. Chop or grate fresh horseradish and mix it with a little water to make a compress to apply to stiff muscles or the back of the neck.
The most well-known uses for horseradish are in shrimp sauce and Bloody Marys. To make a sauce for sandwiches, vegetables, potatoes, beef, fish, or as a dip for vegetables, chips or crackers, mix fresh or prepared horseradish with mayonnaise, plain yogurt, sour cream or cream cheese. Mix in your choice of chopped herbs like garlic, parsley, chives, basil, paprika, a dash of lemon juice or vinegar, salt and pepper. Here’s a surprising use: mix ¼ cup freshly grated horseradish into your favorite apple pie recipe. When horseradish is heated, the flavor supposedly becomes sweet and nutty. If anyone is brave enough to try this, please let me know how it turns out!
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