December: Daikon Radish

Arizona Local Food Feature

Farm: These purple daikon come from Aguiar Farms in Prescott. They are also sourced through Pivot Produce. You may find the more common white daikon radish at your local market.

Nutrition Components: Vitamin C, which supports healthy blood vessels, skin, and collagen production.

Recipe: Daikon Citrus Salad

1 C peeled, julienned daikon

1 orange, or sweet citrus of your choice, segmented

1 tbs chopped mint, cilantro, or experiment herbs you have in your garden!

1 tbs honey or agave

Juice from 1 lime

Pinch of salt

Directions: In a small bow, whisk lime juice, honey, and salt and set aside. In a larger bowl, combine daikon, citrus segments, and herbs. Combine dressing with remaining items and gentle toss. Chill for ten minutes before serving to incorporate all the flavors and then, enjoy!

Flavor Profile: salty, bitter, sweet

Classroom Activity Suggestion: Exploring the five senses, walk through a tasting with the daikon radish. Slice radishes and have students describe what they see, feel, hear (what did the radish hear?!), and smell. Finally, have all students explore taste together and see if the flavor matches their expectations.