Garlicky Fermented Radishes Recipe (Pickled Radishes) (2024)

Garlicky Fermented Radishes Recipe (Pickled Radishes) (1)

If you don’t love radishes, this recipe just might change your mind! Fermenting radishes takes some of the “bite” out of their flavor, replacing it with a crunchy, salty, slightly sour tang. My kids call them “radish pickles” and have been known to ask for second and third helpings . . . seriously!

They make a great addition to salads and charcuterie boards, and they can also be used as “chips” for things like hummus or ranch dressing.

Also, thanks to a process called lacto-fermentation, they’re rich in gut-friendly probiotics. Here’s how it works:

  1. Put veggies in a clean vessel.
  2. Add a saltwater brine to the vessel and seal it.
  3. Let the magic unfold.

By magic, I mean that lactobacillus bacteria – which are naturally present in veggies – are tolerant to saltwater, while most bad guys can’t take much of it. When we place veggies in a saltwater brine it gives the good guys the advantage, allowing them convert sugar and starches into lactic acid.

Other Benefits

Lactic acid is also helpful for:

  • Improving the flavor profile (adding tartness/sourness)
  • Extending the shelf life (lactic acid fermentation was one of the primary methods used to preserve foods for generations)
  • Breaking down digestion inhibitors (oxalates and phytates) so that nutrients are more bioavailable. (1)

As a byproduct of fermentation, lactobacillus bacteria can also produce additional nutrients like vitamin K2, which are not naturally present in veggies. (2) So, in a nutshell, you get flavor, probiotics, improved digestibility, and additional vitamins.

What You’ll Need

To get started, you’ll need to gather your ingredients and some basic equipment like a wide-mouth quart jar and:

Also, if your bunch came with the radish greens attached, don’t toss them – try this pesto recipe. Now let’s get to the recipe!

Garlicky Fermented Radishes Recipe (Pickled Radishes) (2)

Lacto-Fermented Radishes

Crunchy, salty and tangy, these fermented radishes make a great addition to salads and charcuterie boards. They can also be used as “chips” for things like hummus or ranch dressing.

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 3 days days

Calories 0kcal

Author Mommypotamus

Equipment

  • quart-size mason jar

  • Fermentation weight*

  • fermentation lid with airlock (optional)

Ingredients

  • 3 cups sliced fresh radishes
  • 2-3 whole garlic cloves (peeled)
  • 3.5 tsp sea salt (non-iodized)
  • 4 cups filtered water

Instructions

  • Thoroughly clean your mason jar, lid, and cutting before getting started.

  • Boil the water for five minutes, then measure out 3.5 cups of water and stir in the salt until it dissolves. Allow the brine to cool to room temperature.

  • Place the peeled garlic cloves in the mason jar.

  • Slice the radishes thinly and pack them into the fermenting jar, leaving about 1.5 inches of headspace between the top of the radishes and the lid.

  • Pour the room temperature salt brine over the radishes until they are completely covered, leaving at least one inch of headspace between the top of the brine and the lid.

  • Place a weight inside the mouth of the jar to keep your radishes under the brine. Place the lid on the jar and set up the airlock if you’re using one.

  • Allow the jar to ferment at room temperature for 3-5 days, depending on how tangy you want them to be. Keep it out of direct sunlight – I keep mine in a shady area of my kitchen or one of my kitchen cabinets. Taste your fermented radishes starting on day 3, and when it reaches a flavor that you like transfer it to the fridge. If you're using a lid with an airlock, replace it with a regular mason jar lid before storing it.

Notes

Since the time can vary based on several factors, the prep time estimate does not include the step of boiling and cooling the brine.

If you’re using a regular lid (no airlock) you will need to “burp” your jars periodically, otherwise carbon dioxide levels can build up within your jar and cause it to explode. Check the metal lid every day – if you can’t push it down simply unscrew the lit a bit and then immediately tighten it back down. Using an airlock which allows the gases to release eliminates the need to burp your jars.

Nutrition

Calories: 0kcal | Carbohydrates: 0g | Protein: 0g | Fat: 0g | Saturated Fat: 0g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 0mg | Potassium: 0mg | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 0g | Vitamin A: 0IU | Vitamin C: 0mg | Calcium: 0mg | Iron: 0mg

More Fermented Vegetables To Try

Kimchi – Spicy and delicious, this simple kimchi recipe is a family favorite.

Fermented Carrot Sticks With Dill – Tangy and crunchy, these easy fermented carrots make a delicious snack or side dish for meals. Enjoy them plain or dipped in creamy homemade ranch dressing or onion dip.

Beet Kvass – This recipe is infused with ginger, which adds a pleasant flavor and also supports digestion.

Fermented Jalapenos – These “pickled” jalapeños are a total crowd-pleaser. Serve them on nachos, pizza, Mexican dips, salads, and more for a delicious pop of flavor.

Sources

  1. Nikhata, Smith G. et. al. (2018)Fermentation and germination improve nutritional value of cereals and legumes through activation of endogenous enzymes
  2. Liu, Yue (2019)Long-chain vitamin K2 production inLactococcus lactisis influenced by temperature, carbon source, aeration and mode of energy metabolism
Garlicky Fermented Radishes Recipe (Pickled Radishes) (4)

Related Posts

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  • Preserved Lemon Recipe

  • Easy Fermented Jalapeños Recipe

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Garlicky Fermented Radishes Recipe (Pickled Radishes) (2024)

FAQs

Is it healthy to eat pickled radishes? ›

This food is rich in nutrients and offers many of the same health benefits as fresh beets, but with a longer shelf life.

How long can you keep pickled radishes in the fridge? ›

Pickled radishes will keep in the refrigerator for up to six months but are best if eaten within three months. They are still safe to eat after three months, but they will start to lose some crunchiness and the flavor will be less intense and bright.

Does pickled radish have probiotics? ›

Not only is pickled daikon radish super tasty and nutrient-rich, but it's a useful topping for salads, mixing into larger entrees, adding to soups, or simply eating raw. Plus, pickled daikon radish is also a great source of gut-boosting probiotics.

Are radishes a probiotic? ›

Radishes are packed with potassium, fiber, magnesium and vitamin B. Fermenting enhances the health value of radishes by introducing beneficial lacto-bacteria, which act as a probiotic for your gut.

Is pickled radish good for high blood pressure? ›

Radishes are high in potassium, which can help lower your blood pressure. They also support the generation of collagen, which helps keep blood vessels healthy. Radishes are also thought to control damage to red blood cells and help increase oxygen supply to the blood.

Why do pickled radishes smell? ›

The nitriles are the predominant product formed under acidic conditions, such as pickling. Radishes, along with daikon and turnips, contain particular glucosinolates that produce rather evil-smelling nitriles in the presence of an acid like vinegar.

Can you freeze raw radishes? ›

Yes you can! The Texas A & M AgriLife Extension has directions for freezing radishes. Freezing radishes will alter their texture slightly as they are composed of mostly water. Cutting and blanching them prior to freezing helps to minimize this unwanted effect.

Why do Koreans eat so much radish? ›

Daikon radish is actually well-known for being a nutritional root vegetable. Low in calories, it also has an impressive amount of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. The root is rich in Vitamin C, as well as a great source of calcium, magnesium and potassium.

What is the difference between fermented and pickled radishes? ›

They both produce a sour flavor, but pickles are sour because they are soaked in an acidic, vinegar-based brine, while fermented foods are sour because of a chemical reaction between naturally present sugars and bacteria known as lacto-fermentation.

What organ are radishes good for? ›

May support liver function and digestion. Radish, most notably black radish, may stimulate digestive juices and in particular bile flow. Bile is produced by the liver and is used by the digestive system to digest and manage fats as well as remove toxins and waste products from the liver.

Do radishes detox the liver? ›

Suffering from slackening liver health or liver ailments like fatty liver, jaundice or typhoid, then radish can be the best age-old remedy to support the healing process of the liver. This is because radish has natural compounds and antioxidants that help in detoxifying and boosting liver health.

Are radishes good for bowel movements? ›

Improves bowel health: Because radish is rich in fiber, it adds considerable bulk to bowel movements that alleviates constipation symptoms. Studies have revealed that radish leaves that contain sulfurous compounds may prevent parasitic stomach infection and eliminate the symptoms of diarrhea.

How many radishes should you eat a day? ›

Low blood pressure.

Since the leaves appear to help lower blood pressure, eating too many of them might make your blood pressure too low if it is currently normal. While it's unclear what constitutes "too many," it's safest to stick to one serving of radishes per day, which the USDA considers a half-cup.

Is it OK to eat pickled vegetables every day? ›

Daily pickle consumption depends on what the rest of your diet is like. “If you're someone who doesn't eat a lot of processed foods, fast foods or store-bought foods, or if you're mostly eating a very low-salt diet, then eating pickles daily might be fine,” Peart says.

Why do Koreans eat pickled radish? ›

Pickled radish in vinegar or salt, pronounced Dan-mu-ji in South Korea, is a banchan commonly served as a side dish in South Korea for its coolness and crunch. It can be divided into two types depending on whether it is served with chicken or jajangmyeon.

References

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