How to Cook With Daikon

Daikon, a member of the radish family, is a white root vegetable typically found in Oriental or whole foods grocery stores. This versatile vegetable aids the digestion process and offers other health benefits.

Instructions

1. Substitute daikon in any recipe that requires radishes. Use daikon and red radishes interchangeably.

2. Cut daikon crosswise into 1/4-inch pieces. Cut each piece several times across. Slice a carrot into matchstick pieces in the same way. Combine the carrot with the daikon pieces and sauté them in olive oil for ten minutes. This makes a great side dish. Improve the mild flavor by adding any spice you choose.

3. Add daikon to salads. Slice daikon crosswise and cut into smaller pieces. Add to a colorful salad made up of greens, tomatoes and red and orange peppers.

4. Daikon makes a great addition to soups and stews. Add daikon to any of your usual favorite soup recipes. Cook with daikon whenever you can.

5. Sneak daikon into fruit smoothies. Mix one cup of fresh or frozen mango with ¼ cup carrot juice and add a handful of ice cubes. Daikon makes this otherwise healthier snack even more nutritious. This is a great way to get children to eat daikon.

6. Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup daikon to your favorite coleslaw recipe.

7. Use daikon within 2 days of purchase. If you wait longer, it will lose vital nutrients. Don't cook with daikon that is rubbery or dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Some people believe daikon has anti-cancer ingredients and use it for medicinal purposes. Daikon may cleanse the blood.

• Don't buy daikon if it feels rubbery. Buy daikon that feels heavy and isn't yellow.