What Is Horseradish?
Here are the benefits and how to use this spicy condiment.
Horseradish is a divisive ingredient, falling into the “love it or hate it” club shared by the likes of anchovies and sardines, and even cilantro. That's likely because of its powerfully peppery flavor akin to a very pungent radish. But what is horseradish? Keep reading for everything you need to know about this spicy condiment.
What Is Horseradish? Fresh vs. Prepared
You’re probably most familiar with prepared horseradish, which is typically grated, pickled in vinegar, jarred, and sold in the condiment section of the supermarket. What you might not know is that the horseradish in those jars began as a fibrous root, one that’s shaped a bit like a carrot, with edible green leaves, a light brown peel, and white interior. The horseradish plant is in the same family as mustard and wasabi, and is also closely related to some cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli and Brussels sprouts.
Horseradish can be used in its vegetable form or you can purchase prepared horseradish. While fresh horseradish is brown outside and white inside, when it's prepared, it comes in a jar as a creamy white paste or sauce. To use fresh horseradish, you need to peel the skin and grate or chop the root. But prepared horseradish is already ready to eat and tends to be milder since it is usually combined with salt, vinegar, and other preservatives.
Origins of Horseradish
The origins of horseradish trace back to the ancient Egyptians who are believed to have used horseradish since 1500 B.C. The early Greeks also used it as a remedy for lower back pain. In modern history, horseradish can be traced back to Central Europe. It became popular around Scandinavia and Germany and, by the late 1600s, it also became a stable in Britain with beef and oysters. It was introduced to North America shortly thereafter from early European settlers.
The name is believed to have come from the German word "meerrettich," which translates to "sea radish" (since horseradish grows by the sea). Many believe that the English pronounced "meer" incorrectly as "mare," which refers to a female horse in Old English. Hence the name: horseradish.
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Nutritional Benefits of Horseradish
In addition to loads of flavor, horseradish delivers health benefits, too. It contains sinigrin, a compound prized for its healing properties in the Ayurvedic tradition. Sinigrin may have anti-cancer, antibacterial, anti-fungal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing properties. That’s some root! Horseradish is a source of other nutrients as well, but considering the small amount of it you’re likely to use, it won't have much of an impact on your vitamins and mineral intake.
Where to Buy Horseradish
You can find horseradish in stores and online. In grocery stores, you may find horseradish prepared in jars around other condiments. You can also find it at specialty food shops and health food stores, as well as online. Sometimes, you can find it at farmers' markets, especially during peak seasons (spring and fall).
Shelf Life of Horseradish
Store-bought horseradish in the jar, once opened, can stay fresh for three to four months in the refrigerator. It may lose pungency over this time, but it’s unlikely to spoil.
Fresh, uncut horseradish root can be wrapped and stored in the fridge for up to three months. Once you cut or grate the root, flavor will quickly diminish. It’s ideal to use it within a few weeks. Alternatively, you can grate your horseradish root and store it in the freezer for up to six months.
How to Cook With Horseradish
Like all condiments, horseradish is incredibly versatile. It’s used to add a kick of heat to everything from bloody Marys to deviled eggs, and is also great as an accompaniment to rich dishes, like beef tenderloin and potato gratin.
Oddly enough, horseradish is also used to add flavor to other condiments, such as mayonnaise, cocktail sauce, mustard, and ketchup. If you got a salad dressing that needs a flavor boost, try adding a half a teaspoon of horseradish to the mix.
Horseradish Recipes
If you don’t mind a little spice with your food and are ready to cook with horseradish, give these horseradish recipes a whirl.
Horseradish-Crusted Beef Tenderloin
Rich beef tenderloin pairs well with a flavorful and spicy horseradish crust. Serve with mashed potatoes for a special occasion meal, or use the beef as sandwich filling for a delicious lunch.
Horseradish Potato Gratin
Potatoes and cheese are a great duo, but if you’re not a cheese fan, this is the recipe for you. Horseradish steps in for cheese, and adds plenty of flavor. While this is hard for us to say, we promise you won’t miss the cheese.
Slow Cooker Brisket With Melty Onions and Chimichurri
Victor Protasio
Try this slow cooker brisket with melted onions. The horseradish comes as part of the chimichurri side sauce; it's mixed with parsley, oil, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. It adds a dynamic burst of fresh flavor to top the tender, fall-apart brisket.
Horseradish-Crusted Salmon
This crusted salmon comes together in just 20 minutes. The recipe calls for four six-ounce pieces of skinless salmon fillet and a tablespoon of prepared horseradish. Sprinkle the salmon in bread crumbs, salt, pepper, parsley, and the horseradish for a more flavorful fish.
Bloody Mary
While not everyone likes a spicy bloody Mary, those who do will love this take on the classic cocktail, which includes horseradish, hot sauce, celery salt, and pepperoncini peppers. If you’re wary of the spice level, add half the amount of horseradish and skip the hot sauce.
Related: Eating Chili Peppers May Help You Live Longer—and 8 More Health Perks of This Spicy Superfood
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