Profile: Watermelon Radish

Family name:  Brassicaceae
Scientific name:  Raphanus sativus

These root vegetables may look like ordinary radishes on the outside, but if you cut them open, you'll see how they got their name.  Take advantage of the beautiful color inside this vegetable to earn extra points for presentation.  Like other radishes, they can be peppery in flavor, especially when grown in hot weather, but cooking will tame most of that.

How to store:
Store in a plastic bag in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator.  The greens are edible but should be eaten within 2-4 days, while the radish roots are best within 3-5 days but will store for weeks. 

How to prepare:
Watermelon radish can be eaten raw, although it has some bite.  It can also be cooked, which makes it sweeter.  If you want to try a raw watermelon radish dish, here's a recipe for a refreshing radish salad vinaigrette.  This one looks pretty too.

If you'd rather eat them cooked, here's a simple recipe for roasted watermelon radish with goat cheese.

I saw this photo online at tinyurbankitchen.com and had to share.  So cute!