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Winter Radish (Raphanus sativus L. var. niger)

Cultivated radish varieties

Distribution, Yield, Use:

• Distribution:
  Grown in the temperate zones in every part of the world. Requires rich, deep soil and regular watering.
• Yield :
  100-350 kg/100 m2 roots 100-350 kg/100 m2 leaves
• Use:
  Foodstuff (raw, sliced and salted)
  Cooked vegetable in East Asia
  1-2% protein, 3% carbohydrate, 30 mg vitamin C/100 g in the root.

Region of origin: Region of cultivation:

• Cultivation and Breeding:
  The radish was already an important cultivated plant in Egypt 2000 years BC, and was then further spread by the Greeks and Romans. A possible ancestral form is the Sea radish (Raphanus maritimus), with its roots already thickened, which exists in the eastern mediterranean area. Mutations and crosses have led to a great variety of cultivated varieties for Spring, Summer and Autumn growing. The strong radish root consists of the main root and the hypocotyl.
• Breeding aims:
  The breeding aims are concentrated on the shape, colour and size of the root, the firmness of the flesh, the taste, nutritional value, development time and tendency to stringiness.

Text by Dr. Wolfgang Schuchert
Adapted to HTML by R.Saedler