NYC Chef’s Guide to Radishes: Varieties & Flavor Tips

Radishes often go unnoticed and underutilized in modern restaurants. However, this humble yet versatile root vegetable can add a zesty crunch to salads, absorb flavors from marinades when roasted, and even have their green tops transformed into a fresh and vibrant pesto.

With a wide array of radish varieties available, ranging from extra peppery and spicy to mild and sweet, and boasting bright pink or pure snow-white flesh, there are countless ways to incorporate these unassuming root vegetables into your menu.

Here, we present our chefs’ guide to the top 10 radish varieties that you should consider adding to your menu this summer.

Watermelon Radish

Watermelon radishes are the most visually striking among all the radish varieties. Their outer skin can range from pale to vibrant green, while their interior flesh showcases a beautiful combination of bright pink and white, resembling that of a watermelon.

This radish variety offers a subtly sweet flavor, with a slight peppery zing. It can be enjoyed raw, pickled, or cooked, making it a versatile ingredient. With its unique coloring, the watermelon radish is perfect for adding a pop of spicy color to salads, sushi bowls, tacos, sandwiches, and even avocado toast, which has gained popularity in recent times.

The firm crunchy texture of watermelon radishes complements light and summery flavors such as lime, avocado, citrus, and cilantro.

Cherry Belle Radish

Cherry Belle radishes are the most common variety of radishes that most chefs will be accustomed to. These types of radishes are round with a bright red skin and crisp white flesh inside. They are mild, slightly sweet flavor and can be harvested in both spring and fall, making them available all year round.

With their crispy texture and mild peppery taste, Cherry Belle radishes are incredibly versatile. They can be grilled, roasted, or baked alongside other root vegetables. Additionally, they make a perfect addition to any crudité platter.

By incorporating these diverse radish varieties into your culinary repertoire, you can enhance your dishes with their unique flavors, textures, and vibrant colors. Don’t underestimate the potential of these humble root vegetables in your kitchen.

French Breakfast Radish

The French breakfast radish has a similar appearance to the familiar cherry belle radish, but it differs in shape, being elongated with edible leafy greens on top. It offers a mild, peppery, and slightly sweet flavor, along with a crisp texture.

The name of this radish variety originates from its traditional consumption as a snack in France, where it is often enjoyed by spreading butter on top of a baguette and placing slices of French breakfast radish on it. While these radishes are delicious when eaten raw, they are also highly versatile and can be pickled, sautéed, or braised to bring out different flavors and textures.

Additionally, the French breakfast radish pairs exceptionally well with sharp and creamy cheeses such as feta or goat cheese, creating a delightful combination of flavors.

Daikon Radish

The daikon radish, also known as a Chinese radish, is a white, carrot-shaped radish with a mild, sweet flavor. It holds a special place in Asian cuisines and is widely enjoyed in various dishes.

If you’re looking for a distinctive way to explore radishes, daikon radishes offer a delightful twist. They can be sliced into thick strips and fried to create a delicious alternative to traditional French fries, known as radish French fries.

Daikon radishes also pair exceptionally well with Asian flavors such as sesame oil, rice vinegar, and soy sauce. The combination of these ingredients creates a harmonious blend of tastes that complements the mild sweetness of the radish.

Malaga Violet Radishes

For those who prefer a milder flavor without the overpowering spiciness, the Malaga Violet radish is an excellent choice to add a subtle zing and satisfying crunch to your dishes.

This Polish variety of radish features a round shape and a distinctive deep purple color. Its mild and sweet taste makes it perfect for enjoying raw in salads, summer rolls, and tacos. By including Malaga Violet radishes, you can enhance your dishes with their unique color and delicate flavor, creating a wonderful culinary experience.

Purple Daikon Radish

The purple variety of Daikon radish stands out with its distinctive bicoloring, featuring a violet purple exterior and a bright white to pale violet interior. The inner flesh is remarkably crisp and carries the classic mild heat flavor typical of Daikon radishes.

Interestingly, the flavor profile of these radishes can vary depending on the climate they are grown in. When cultivated in cool climates, they tend to be milder, while in warm to hot climates, they develop a more intense heat. To ensure you know the flavor profile of your purple Daikon radish, it’s advisable to inquire about the origin climate from your supplier.

Purple Daikon radish finds versatility in both raw and cooked applications. Thinly sliced, they can be added to salads, slaws, and sandwiches, or served as a topping for sushi and sashimi. Furthermore, their thin slices are commonly included in stews, curries, broths, and soups like miso, imparting their unique flavor and vibrant color to the dishes.

Pink Lady Slipper Radish

Pink Lady Slipper Radishes are known for their mildness, making them an excellent choice for those who prefer a less pungent flavor. These oblong-shaped radishes feature a light pink hue and have white flesh. They are particularly well-suited for delicate dishes, where more peppery radishes could overpower the flavor profile.

These delicate radishes can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. They make a delightful addition to light and summery salads, adding a subtle crunch and hint of flavor. Alternatively, you can roast them with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt, allowing their natural sweetness to shine through and take center stage in your dishes.

Easter Egg Radish

Named for their vivid colors and unique, egg-like shape, Easter Egg radishes are typically sold in bunches containing an assortment of red, purple, white, and pink bulbs.

These radishes are bursting with flavor and versatility. They are a great all-round option, well-suited for various cooking methods. They’re perfect for pickling, to preserve their unique taste, frying for a delightful crunch, sautéing for a softer texture, or baking them for a roasted twist. Additionally, Easter Egg radishes are delicious when enjoyed raw, particularly when paired with hummus or other dips, adding a refreshing element to your snack or appetizer.

Black Radish

Also known as Spanish radishes, Black radishes possess a distinct flavor and visual appeal that often goes unnoticed due to their dark black skin, which may resemble a dirty beetroot. However, these radishes pack more of a bite than their rosy colored cousin. They offer a unique contrast between their striking black exterior and pure white flesh, making them an intriguing addition to various dishes.

Black radishes also pack more of a bite compared to their rosy-colored cousins, providing a bold and slightly spicy flavor. While they may not be as commonly used as other radish varieties, black radishes shine when incorporated into Southeast Asian dishes such as ramen noodle bowls and pho, where their robust taste can truly shine.

Green Meat Radish

The Green Meat radish is a distinct variety of daikon radish known for its cylindrical shape and vibrant lime green flesh. Its outside skin is typically green near the stalk and transitions to cream-colored tips.

These radishes are best enjoyed raw, whether sliced or grated, in salads, sandwiches, tacos, and vegetable platters. Their fresh and crisp texture adds a delightful crunch to your dishes.

Place Your Radish Orders Today!

With a wide selection of radishes varieties, the creative possibilities for your menu are truly endless. For the best in wholesale radishes and produce, you can turn to Riviera Produce.

From local radishes to unique and hard- to- find varieties, Riviera Produce is your go to source. With their 30 years of experience servicing the restaurant industry, you can trust in their expertise and reliability. They are committed to ensuring timely delivery, so your produce arrives at its peak freshness.

Contact Riviera Produce today to discover how easy it is to get the finest wholesale produce in NYC’s five boroughs, Connecticut, New Jersey and Philadelphia.