How to Make Radish Flowers

Carve a fresh radish into a rose to add a festive touch to a plate.

The bright red color of a radish makes it a natural for carving into a flower shape. It makes an edible garnish to decorate a plate or add a festive touch to a salad. Adding this one simple item to your presentation gives a more professional look to the dish. Making a radish rose takes minimal effort but has a big impact on the look of the plate.

Things You'll Need

• Radishes
• Paring knife
• Large bowl

Instructions

1. Wash the radishes to remove any residual dirt. Shake excess water off of the leaves.

2. Trim the top of the radish, leaving approximately 2 inches of the leaves attached. This creates the stem and leaves of the "rose." Trim the roots off the bottom of the radish with a paring knife.

3. Hold on to the stem end. Carve a 1/8-inch slice down one side of the radish with a paring knife, starting at the root end. Follow the shape of the radish to within 1/4 inch of the stem to form a petal. Do not cut all the way through.

4. Make two more cuts around the radish in the same manner. Turn it each time and leave an equal amount of space between the cuts. This will give you three petals.

5. Repeat with remaining radishes. Soak cut radishes in a bowl of ice water for one hour. This will cause the petals to "open." Drain on paper towels and use.

References

• Epicurious: Radish Flowers
• Farm News: Edible Arrangements
• All British Food: How to Make Radish Flowers