Transparent White Rave Radish

The Transparent White Radish is an early variety of radish that forms completely white, almost transparent roots about 15 cm (6in) long. Their flesh is tender and crunchy, with a pungent and fine flavour. The green and hairy foliage is excellent in soups. Sowing from April to September. Harvest from May to October.

The radish is a fairly hardy annual or biennial vegetable plant, belonging to the Brassicaceae family, of which the root is mainly consumed raw, but the freshly picked leaves can also be used in soups or stews. There are radishes of different colours, from red for the most common ones, but also pink, white or gray. They are generally classified into 2 main types: monthly radishes, represented by varieties with small roots, and radish turnips, represented by varieties with long roots.
Japanese radishes are also found, which have a long white and conical root, sometimes sold as turnips. Winter radishes have a large taproot with a black, pink, or purple skin. Its flesh is white. Its leaves are green and divided, forming a compact tuft at the base of the plant. Its taste is much stronger than that of monthly radishes. With a pungent flavour, it can be eaten cooked, like turnips, or raw, like carrots. Winter radishes have many virtues: they contain vitamin C and sulphur, as well as phosphorus and magnesium. They are antiscorbutic and diuretic and are recommended for people with liver and gallbladder problems.

Harvest and storage

The harvest of radishes for all months and summer radishes takes place 4 to 6 weeks after sowing. Harvest regularly as soon as the radishes are formed, without letting them grow too large, help limit the risk of them becoming hollow and indigestible. Radishes for all months or summer radishes can be consumed quickly. The freshly harvested leaves can be cooked into a delicious soup.

The harvest of radish turnips takes place 4 to 5 months after sowing. Harvest by gently lifting with a garden fork and let them dry on the ground before bringing them in. If they stay in the ground during winter, cover the soil with straw.

Gardener's tips

Sowing radishes and carrots on the same row and at the same time naturally separates the carrot seeds. Once the radishes are harvested, there will be space for the carrots to grow. Accompanied by mint, radishes will be less prone to attacks from flea beetles, insects that feed on the leaves, creating small irregular holes.
To have crunchy radishes throughout the season, it is good to spread out the sowings every 2 to 3 weeks, in your garden or in pots.