When you picture a radish, chances are you’re thinking of the small, round, red type often tucked into salads or used as a garnish. But radishes are far more diverse than most people realise. Beyond the familiar few, there are actually hundreds of varieties grown around the world, each with its own flavour, size, and appearance.
Radishes can be peppery or delicate, large or bite-sized, and come in an impressive palette of colours, from vibrant reds and pinks to deep purples, black, white, and even striking greens. They are a very adaptable vegetable, which allows them to thrive in most climates, and they are one of the quickest and hardiest vegetables to grow.
Among the more common varieties are Cherry Belle, French Breakfast, White Icicle, and Daikon Long White. These are widely available and frequently found in markets. Yet there are also lesser-known types that are just as fascinating: the giant Sakurajima Mammoth, the colourful Easter Egg mix, the sweet Watermelon radish, the bold Black Spanish, and the refreshing Chinese Green Luobo, to name a few. With so many options, there’s always something new to try.
Radishes aren’t just versatile in the kitchen; they’re packed with health benefits too. They’re rich in fibre, supporting good digestion, and contain anthocyanins, which contribute to heart health. Their high potassium and water content help regulate blood pressure and keep the body hydrated. In short, radishes are small but mighty when it comes to nutrition.
Because they are so abundant and easy to grow, radishes are sometimes underestimated. Yet their wide range of flavours, striking looks, and health benefits make them a vegetable worth celebrating.
M&P Engineering is a leading specialist in the design and manufacture of food processing equipment including one of our most popular machines, the Radish Top & Tailer.
This innovative piece of equipment tops and tails the radish, at a rate of up to 100 per minute. The top and tail knives of the machine float to adjust position to the size of the radish, reducing waste and allowing operation on a wide range of radish sizes and shapes.
Because of the manual adjustment of the top and tail knives, no change of parts is required for the M&P Top and Tailer.
Benefits of the M&P Top & Tailer include separate discharge points for top & tailed radish and waste; low labour requirement; easy to maintain; simplicity of design and easy access for cleaning ensure minimum downtime.
To learn more about our food processing equipment please contact us today.