Radish Taste Test!

The radish contenders: Cherry Belle, French Breakfast, Crimson Giant (pictured above)

Since my new DIY polytunnels gave me an extra early start in my garden this year, I was able to get my radish seeds into the ground in early February. You may notice when reading the seed packets, that you will often see a number which indicates the number of days to harvest. This number can be deceptive because it can depend on conditions such as temperature, moisture, and light. While radishes do like cooler weather, it can take longer that the estimated 30 days (give or take) they would take in optimal conditions, That said, in about a month and a half, I was able to harvest three rows of radishes last weekend. Because they grew in the polytunnels, they were my most beautiful radishes EVER! They were large and mostly unblemished. I planted one row or each radish vareity that I had on hand from last year; Cherry Belle, French Breakfast, and Crimson Giant. I decided that I would try some of each to find out which were my favourite. It can be hard to remember one week to the next what the flavour of a particular variety is, so I wanted to make sure this was a side-by-side comparison. I LOVE radishes, so I was really looking forward to this exercise. So, here we go...

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Variety:
French Breakfast (heirloom)

Seed Company:
West Coast Seeds

Results:
It appeared that I had a 100% germination rate. These radishes are beautiful. Their oblong shape and white-to-red colouring is quite striking. These radishes are quite dainty, so they would best be served whole to really appreciate them. They're a bit too small for slicing. Their taste was delicate and not overpowering. The centres on a couple had turned slightly spongey which tells me that I perhaps left them in the ground a bit too long but it did not look so from the outside. It might be hard to gauge maturity on this variety. 

​Rank: Third. 

Would I grow them again? Yes!

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Variety:
Cherry Belle

Seed Company:
Pacific Northwest Seeds

Results:
It appeared to be 100% germination with this variety as well. There was more variation in colour, shape, and size than the others, but that can be a good thing. The radishes were firm and crisp. The flavour was a bit stronger than the French Breakfast, but mild for my palate. The size would allow for them to be easily sliced into salads or sandwiches.

​Rank: Second place.
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​Would I grow them again? Yes!

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Variety:
Crimson Giant

Seed Company:
Pacific Northwest Seeds

Results:
Again, these radish appeared to have a 100% germination rate. The colour, shape, and size were all fairly uniform. These were the largest of the three varieties, and appeared to look like the most 'prototypical' radishes. They were certainly large enough for slicing. They had a stronger and spicier flavour than the others, which I loved! The closer the flesh was to the top, the spicier it tasted. The flesh was crisp and juicy. 

​Rank: First place!
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Would I grow them again? Yes, definitely!

And there we have it. My completely objective opinion on which of these tasty radishes are my favourites! Letme know in the comments below if you have a favourite radish variety. I have also planted daikon, which is another one of my favourite vegetables, but it will take longer to mature. Perhaps I might add it to the list after I get a chance to sample my hard work later in the season.

Fin.