Description

Diakon Radish (also known as Daikon or White Radish)

Description:
Daikon radish is a long, white root vegetable primarily found in East and Southeast Asian cuisines. It’s similar in texture to carrots and has a mildly peppery flavor. The flesh is crunchy and juicy, and it’s often used in raw salads, pickled as a condiment, or cooked in soups, stews, and stir-fries. Its mild taste and versatility make it a popular addition to many dishes.

Nutritional Data (per 100g):

• Calories: 18 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 4.1g
• Protein: 0.6g
• Fat: 0.1g
• Dietary Fiber: 1.6g
• Vitamin C: 22 mg (36% of daily recommended intake)
• Folate: 28 µg
• Potassium: 227 mg
• Calcium: 27 mg
• Iron: 0.4 mg

Daikon is low in calories and high in fiber and vitamin C. It also contains digestive enzymes, such as amylase, which aid in digesting complex carbohydrates and may help with indigestion.

It is also used to clear phlegm from the lungs. ~ (Video)

PLU Code:

• Conventional: 4598

Ayurvedic Data:
In Ayurveda, Daikon radish is a beneficial food for balancing Kapha dosha due to its warming, savory, and bitter qualities. It’s seen as helpful in stimulating digestion and metabolism. Its diuretic properties can help detoxify and may support liver health by aiding in bile secretion. Consuming it raw is often suggested for Kapha types, while Vata types may benefit from eating it cooked to avoid digestive issues.

Ten Healthy Recipes Using Daikon Radish:

1. Daikon Salad with Sesame Dressing
   • Thinly sliced daikon, carrots, and Persian cucumbers with a sesame-soy dressing and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.
2. Daikon Soup with Ginger and Garlic
   • A warm soup made with daikon, ginger, garlic, and miso or chicken broth, great for digestion.
3. Pickled Daikon Radish
   • Thinly sliced daikon pickled with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt, served as a condiment or side dish.
4. Daikon Noodles with Peanut Sauce
   • Spiralized daikon noodles tossed in a creamy peanut sauce with veggies like bell pepper, Persian cucumber, and scallions.
5. Daikon and Carrot Stir-Fry
   • Quick stir-fry with thinly sliced daikon, carrots, and bell peppers seasoned with soy sauce and sesame oil.
6. Daikon Radish Kimchi
   • Traditional Korean-style kimchi is made with daikon, garlic, ginger, chili flakes, and fish sauce.
7. Daikon and Tofu Miso Soup
   • Miso soup with daikon, tofu, seaweed, and scallions – light and nourishing.
8. Daikon Pancakes (Moo Saengchae)
   • Korean-style savory pancakes made with grated daikon, flour, scallions, and egg.
9. Daikon and Persian Cucumber Sushi Rolls
   • Thinly sliced daikon as an alternative to sushi rice, wrapped around veggies like avocado, Persian cucumber, and carrot.
10. Daikon and Lentil Salad

• A hearty salad with cooked lentils, diced daikon, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon-tahini dressing.

Here’s a simple recipe for a zesty lemon-tahini dressing that’s perfect for salads, grain bowls, or roasted veggies:

Lemon-Tahini Dressing

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup tahini
• 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
• 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1–2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1–2 teaspoons maple syrup or honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
• Salt, to taste
• 2–4 tablespoons water, for thinning
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, maple syrup, or honey.
2. Add a pinch of salt and whisk again. If the mixture is too thick, add water a tablespoon at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
3. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more lemon for brightness, salt for flavor, or sweetener if you prefer a milder flavor.
4. Serve immediately or store in the fridge for up to a week. Stir before using if it separates.

Enjoy! This dressing pairs well with various dishes and can be customized with added herbs, like dill or parsley if desired.

Recipe: Vietnamese Pickled Carrot and Diakon ~ (Video)