What Is Horseradish?
Horseradish is a spicy root vegetable in the mustard family. The vegetable is planted in early spring or late fall and thrives in colder environments. Horseradish is commonly made into a prepackaged sauce by the same name and is used to season everything from fish to burgers. It is similar in flavor to wasabi, which is used as a common sushi garnish. Horseradish stands out from other vegetables due to its strong, biting flavor.
What is horseradish made of?
Horseradish sauce is made from grated or pureed horseradish root and vinegar, mixed with mayonnaise or sour cream.
Why is it called horseradish?
Horseradish is native to Central Europe, where people called it "meerrettich" or "sea radish" because it grows near the sea. It's thought that the English mispronounced the word "meer" and started calling it "mareradish" and eventually horseradish.
Horseradish Nutritional Benefits
Horseradish contains several essential nutrients, including:
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Potassium
- Folates
- Vitamin C
- Zinc
- Carbohydrates
- Phosphorous
Nutrients per serving
One tablespoon of prepared horseradish has around:
- 7 calories
- 2 grams carbohydrate
- 0.1 grams fat
- 0.5 grams fiber
- 0.2 grams protein
Eating fresh horseradish is uncommon, but some grocery stores now carry horseradish root. One cup of fresh ground horseradish contains:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 2 grams
- Sodium: 25 milligrams
- Carbohydrates: 34 grams
- Fiber: 14 grams
- Sugars: 9 grams
- Protein: 6 grams
Portion sizes
Like other processed foods, store-bought horseradish sauce is relatively high in sodium. Too much sodium can increase your risk of developing high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.
It’s essential to be mindful of portion sizes when eating any processed foods, including premade horseradish sauce. If nothing else, it will make your nose sting and your eyes water.
Is Horseradish Good for You?
Horseradish is more than just an aromatic root vegetable. People around the world have used it medicinally for centuries. Here’s what the experts have to say about the health benefits of horseradish:
Reduces inflammation
Like other members of the mustard plant family, horseradish contains a chemical compound called sinigrin. Research shows sinigrin lowers inflammation by blocking or changing the parts of the immune system that cause it. These same studies suggest that sinigrin could help ease symptoms of atherosclerosis, though researchers need to carry out more studies before drawing any definite conclusions.
Fights cell damage
Horseradish root is naturally rich in antioxidants, which can help protect your body from cellular damage by attaching themselves to free radicals.
Early studies also suggest that horseradish may prevent the growth of colon, lung, and stomach cancer cells, though doctors and scientists need to do more research in humans.
Improves respiratory health
If you’ve eaten horseradish before, you’re probably familiar with the unique burning sensation it can set off in your nose, throat, and sinuses. Beyond making your eyes water, horseradish may help your respiratory health. One study showed that a dried horseradish supplement and nasturtium effectively treated sinus infections and bronchitis. However, more research needs to be done on this subject.
Has antibacterial properties
Early research suggests that isothiocyanates (a phytochemical) in horseradish may destroy bacteria and fungi that cause illnesses such as food poisoning, stomach ulcers, and skin and nail fungus.
How to Make Prepared Horseradish
You can make prepared horseradish at home with just a few ingredients, and it tastes fresher than varieties bought in the store. Here's how to do it:
- Wear safety glasses and open a window to protect your eyes from strong horseradish fumes.
- Peel fresh horseradish root, removing dark veins.
- Cut the horseradish into small pieces.
- Use a food processor or grater to finely chop it.
- Place the horseradish in a jar and pour in vinegar and cold water, making sure the horseradish is nearly covered.
- Stir in kosher salt.
- Cover the container and refrigerate until you're ready to serve.
How to Make Horseradish Sauce
Horseradish sauce begins with prepared horseradish and includes a creamy ingredient such as heavy cream, sour cream, or mayonnaise. Here's how to make it:
- Melt unsalted butter on the stove and whisk in all-purpose flour.
- Gradually whisk in whole milk and half-and-half, stirring for about two minutes or until thickened.
- Remove from the heat and add kosher salt, granulated sugar, ground mustard, pepper, and a bit of nutmeg.
- Stir in the prepared horseradish and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- Cool the sauce, and store it in an airtight container.
How to Use Horseradish
Horseradish has a unique, biting flavor that can change the whole feel of the dish. It may be an acquired taste, depending on your tolerance for spicy foods.
Horseradish sauce recipes
The most common way to enjoy horseradish is to buy premade horseradish sauce and use it as a condiment. As with other processed foods, the key to buying horseradish sauce is looking at the ingredients list and deciding how to use it in a dish.
Some common ways to enjoy store-bought horseradish sauce include:
- As a dip for fish sticks
- Spread on a burger bun instead of mayonnaise
- Mixed into mashed potatoes for a spicy kick
- As a dressing for steak
Fresh horseradish recipes
If you choose to use fresh horseradish, you’ll want to peel the vegetable first and then slice it. Fresh horseradish can be boiled, sautéed, or grilled. It pairs well with other root vegetables, including beets and potatoes, as well as broccoli or Brussels sprouts.
Horseradish supplements
Horseradish also comes as a capsule supplement, with experts suggesting taking 500-1500 milligrams with water three times a day.
Does horseradish go bad?
You can keep prepared horseradish in the refrigerator for up to three months and horseradish sauce for three days.
Horseradish Side Effects
Eating horseradish can cause stomach discomfort, sweating, and vomiting.
Who should not eat horseradish?
If horseradish causes too much irritation in your mouth, nose, stomach, or throat, limit how much you eat. You should also avoid it if you have inflammatory digestive conditions, including:
- Crohn's disease
- Esophagitis
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Stomach ulcer
Children aged 4 years or younger, people with hypothyroidism, and those who are pregnant or breastfeeding shouldn't eat horseradish.
Takeaways
Horseradish is a spicy root vegetable in the mustard family, known for its intense flavor similar to that of wasabi. Typically processed into a tangy sauce with grated horseradish root, vinegar, and sour cream or mayonnaise, it adds a kick to dishes such as burgers and seafood. Horseradish also carries potential health benefits — it has sinigrin, which may reduce inflammation, antioxidants that protect cells, and antibacterial properties that could fight infections. However, its high sodium content in processed forms and its strong bite should be enjoyed in moderation, especially for people with digestive issues.
