Horseradish

Horseradish is the herb belonging to the Brassicaceae family and possessing a variety of uses as an ingredient for food products as well as for various medicinal preparations. It grows in the form of a perennial plant in various parts of the world. The regions of southeast Europe and West Asia are considered as birth places of this herb. It is the root of this plant, which is considered to contain the herbal qualities for different purposes.

How is horseradish cultivated?

This useful herb is grown and harvested before the arrival of autumn season. The autumn season is capable of damaging the leaves of the plant and this is the time, when main root of the plant is preserved for various purposes. The other adjoining roots are planted again to prepare other yield of this herb. Some of the old roots offer no usefulness, but may be used for replanting purposes.

Collinsville in Illinois is considered as the largest producer of this herb and thus, it is known as Horseradish Capital of the World. There are other regions like Wisconsin and Northern California, where this herb is grown in abundance.

What are the uses of Horseradish?

Horseradish is used to prepare a number of dishes and also, the medicines for treating a number of diseases. Also, it is a useful herb used by research scientists in performing a number of activities. The reason for such huge variety of uses of the herb is due to its nutritional value. The horseradish herb contains minerals like potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and calcium. It also contains a number of volatile oils like mustard oil and is also rich in vitamin C.

Following ate the most prominent uses of this wonderful herb:

• This herb is used to cure infections caused due to a number of bacteria.
• The infections in urinary tract are also successfully treated by consumption of this herb.
• The problems like cough and bronchitis are also found to be treatable by regular treatment from this herb.
• Horseradish is a useful ingredient for carrying out research the field of biochemical.
• The herb is also used to detect antibodies in the laboratory tests.
• The herb is considered as a condiment for serving different purposes.
• It is used in the preparation of dishes like cocktail sauce, chicken, meat and fish.
• It is consumed in combination with a number of other dishes in various parts of the world. For instance, it is served with roast beef, mustard and blue cheese.