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)

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  • Preserved Lemon Recipe

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Garlicky Fermented Radishes Recipe (Pickled Radishes) (2024)

FAQs

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.

Is it okay to eat pickled radish everyday? ›

They are just as nutritious as fresh vegetables. That being said, it is worth noting that the pickling process does use a lot of salt and sugar. It is important to keep this in mind and, just like everything else, eat pickled radishes in moderation.

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.

What does fermented radish taste like? ›

Fermented radishes have a tangy, slightly sour flavor that can be enhanced with various flavorings. Here are some ideas for flavoring fermented radishes: Garlic. Adding garlic to your fermented radishes can give them a delicious and aromatic flavor.

Which is healthier pickled or fermented? ›

An easy way to remember the difference between the two despite their overlap is that pickling involves putting food into an acidic brine to produce a sour flavor, whereas fermenting gives food a sour flavor without any added acid. Pickling is often the least healthy choice in terms of these two foods.

Why do Koreans eat pickled radish? ›

Pickled radish in vinegar or salt, pronounced Dan-mu-ji in South Korean, 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.

Why should radishes not be eaten at night? ›

You should avoid eating radish on an empty stomach since it gives rise to gas-related problems. You should also avoid going to bed immediately after consuming it since that would cause bloating. The ideal time to eat it is during lunch.

Why can't you eat radish and cucumber together? ›

People often eat both cucumber and radish mixed in salad. However, both can react with each other. Cucumber contains ascorbate, which acts to absorb vitamin C. In such a situation, when you eat radish with it, it creates obstruction in this process, which can lead to a variety of health concerns.

Why do Asians eat pickled radishes? ›

Danmuji is pickled daikon radish, and is a key ingredient in kimbap as well as a garnish to a variety of dishes, including Korean porridge. With a unique tangy flavor, pickled daikon radish adds complexity, texture, and a nutritional boost to any meal.

Is pickled radish good for high blood pressure? ›

This root vegetable is also a rich source of nitrates and saponins. While nitrates help lower blood pressure and enhance athletic performance, saponins can boost immune system and heart health.

Which fermented foods are best for gut health? ›

Fermented Foods for Gut Health
  • Miso (refrigerated)
  • Pickles (in salt, not vinegar)
  • Sauerkraut (choose refrigerated)
  • Kimchi.
  • Kombucha (no sugar)
  • Other probiotic drinks (no sugar), like beet Kvass, apple cider.
  • Various other cultured products.
  • You can also easily make fermented vegetables, such as sauerkraut at home!
Jun 19, 2019

Is pickled radish good for gut health? ›

Most of us think of small cucumbers when we think of pickles, but actually, pretty much anything can be pickled. Cabbage, radishes, onions, carrots, beets—the limit does not exist. And they're all great for the gut.

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. Cooking radishes can deactivate the enzyme.

How long is fermented radish shelf life? ›

With the natural microflora, the fermentation was completed in 16-18 days, giving a titratable acidity of 1.80% as lactic acid. It was observed that the fermented radish could be stored up for a period of 15 days under refrigerated conditions without any spoilage.

What is the tastiest radish? ›

Watermelon Radishes Are the Best Radishes for a Sweeter Flavor. Watermelon radishes don't look like much with their green and white skin, but they're gorgeous on the inside with their hot pink centers.

Is fermented the same as pickled? ›

Both a pickled cucumber and a fermented cucumber will often be called pickles. Just to confuse everyone even more, the term “pickling” can sometimes mean pickling with vinegar or fermenting. In this guide, pickles mean submerging something in vinegar and fermenting is submerging something in water & salt.

Are fermented foods better than pickled foods? ›

The differences in their preservation does result in several differences in their available health benefits. The main difference in the health benefits between pickled and fermented foods lies in their probiotic properties. Fermentation generates more beneficial bacteria in foods, making them probiotic.

Is anything pickled considered fermented? ›

To add to the confusion, “pickling” is a term used by many folks to refer to food preservation by either canning or fermenting. But not in this article. Pickles will mean they've been preserved unfermented in hot brine. Fermented foods, even cucumbers, will be called fermented.

References

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