Skip to product information
Seed | Radish Beauty Melon

Seed | Radish Beauty Melon

$3.99 CAD
Format

Quantity

Discover the Beauté Melon Radish seed, a refined variety combining the sweetness of melon with the freshness of radish. Ideal for discerning gardeners, this seed produces crisp and flavorful radishes, perfect for enhancing your salads or accompanying your dishes.

A LITTLE HISTORY

Melon radish, also known as Beauty Heart Radish, has a fascinating history that links its roots to ancient China and demonstrates its evolution over the centuries. Its Chinese name, xīnli měi luóbo, literally means "beautiful heart radish," a poetic description that reflects its remarkable appearance.

Native to northern China, this radish is an ancestral variety of the daikon, a cruciferous root introduced to China from the Mediterranean around 500 BC. While the daikon was already cultivated for its nutritional and medicinal properties, the melon radish, or watermelon radish, became famous for its distinct appearance and unique flavor.

Melon radish is distinguished by its creamy ivory or pale green outer skin and vibrant pink or magenta interior. This vivid coloring is reminiscent of watermelon flesh, which is why it gets its evocative nickname. Unlike watermelon, however, melon radish has a subtly sweet flavor with a hint of pepper, making it an interesting addition to fresh and crisp dishes.

Although the exact details of its origin are not fully documented, it is generally accepted that the Melon radish was first cultivated in the vicinity of Beijing. It is believed to have been prized not only for its unique taste, but also for its traditional medicinal properties.

When it was introduced to North America, the radish was first known as "Red Meat Radish," before being renamed "Beauty Heart Radish," a name that better captures its attractive appearance. Today, it is commonly referred to as "Melon Radish" in Western markets, a name that evokes both its alluring appearance and its refreshing nature.

Thus, the Melon radish is more than just a vegetable; it is a testament to how culinary traditions and cultures can merge to create products both old and new, with a history as colorful as its flesh.

PROPERTIES

The beauty melon radish has several interesting medicinal properties that have long been recognized in Asian medicinal traditions, particularly in China. Here are some of its properties and potential benefits:

  • Digestive Properties
    Melon radish, like other radish varieties, is rich in dietary fiber. Fiber is essential for a healthy digestive system, as it helps prevent constipation, promotes regular digestion, and supports overall gut health.
  • Detoxifying Effects
    Melon radish is often considered a detoxifying food. Consuming it can help eliminate toxins from the body by promoting liver function and stimulating the kidneys, thus contributing to better elimination of metabolic waste.
  • Antioxidant Properties
    This radish contains antioxidant compounds, such as flavonoids and glucosinolates. Antioxidants play a crucial role in neutralizing free radicals in the body, thereby reducing oxidative stress and the risk of chronic diseases.
  • Anti-inflammatory Properties
    Compounds found in radish melon may also have anti-inflammatory effects. They help reduce inflammation in the body, which is beneficial for managing chronic inflammatory diseases like arthritis.
  • Improving Cardiovascular Health
    Melon radish contains important minerals like potassium, which is essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure. Adequate potassium intake is associated with a reduced risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.
  • Immune System Support
    Thanks to its richness in vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin C, radish melon can strengthen the immune system. Vitamin C is known for its role in stimulating white blood cells and improving the body's natural defenses against infections.
  • Diuretic effect
    Melon radish has natural diuretic properties, which can help reduce water retention and promote efficient elimination of excess body fluids.
  • Antimicrobial Properties
    Certain bioactive compounds found in Melon radish may have antimicrobial effects, helping fight certain bacterial and fungal infections.

Traditional Use
In traditional Chinese medicine, melon radish is often used to treat digestive and respiratory problems. It is sometimes recommended to relieve symptoms of coughs or gastrointestinal upset.

In short, Melon radish not only adds aesthetic and flavor to your diet; it also offers a range of health benefits that are valued in various medicinal traditions.

HOW TO COOK?

The beauty melon radish is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes to take advantage of its slightly sweet and peppery flavor, as well as its crunchy texture. Here are some recipe ideas for incorporating this radish into your dishes:

  • Melon Radish Salad
    A fresh salad is a great way to showcase Melon Radish.

Ingredients :

1 radish Melon
1 cucumber
1 carrot
1/4 red onion
A few mint or coriander leaves
2 tablespoons of vinaigrette (olive oil, rice vinegar, salt, pepper)
Preparation :

Peel and thinly slice the Melon radish, cucumber and carrot.
Slice the red onion.
Mix all the vegetables in a large bowl.
Add the dressing and mix well.
Garnish with mint or coriander leaves before serving.

  • Radish Melon Pickles
    Pickles add a tangy and crunchy touch to various dishes.

Ingredients :

1 radish Melon
1 cup white vinegar or rice vinegar
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons of sugar
1 tablespoon of salt
1 clove of garlic (optional)
A few grains of black pepper (optional)
Preparation :

Thinly slice the Melon radish.
In a small saucepan, heat the vinegar, water, sugar and salt until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Add garlic and peppercorns if desired.
Pour the hot solution over the radish slices in a jar.
Allow to cool before closing the jar and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before consuming.

  • Radish Melon Soup
    This comforting soup highlights the sweetness and flavor of Melon radish.

Ingredients :

1 radish Melon
1 potato
1 carrot
1 onion
2 cloves of garlic
4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
2 tablespoons of olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
A few sprigs of parsley to garnish
Preparation :

Peel and dice the radish, potato and carrot.
Slice the onion and garlic.
In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic until translucent.
Add the chopped vegetables and sauté for a few minutes.
Add the broth and simmer until the vegetables are tender.
Use an immersion blender to puree the soup, or leave it as is for a more rustic texture.
Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley before serving.

  • Melon Radish Toast
    These simple and elegant tartines are perfect for an aperitif or a light starter.

Ingredients :

1 radish Melon
4 slices of rye bread or wholemeal bread
2 tablespoons of cream cheese or cream cheese
1 tablespoon of olive oil
A few sprigs of chives or dill
Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation :

Thinly slice the Melon radish.
Toast the slices of bread.
Spread the cream cheese on each slice of toast.
Arrange the Melon radish slices on the cheese.
Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Garnish with chives or dill.

  • Sautéed Melon Radish
    For a quick and hot dish, try this stir-fry.

Ingredients :

1 radish Melon
1 red pepper
1 zucchini
1 onion
2 tablespoons of soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
2 cloves of garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation :

Dice the radish, pepper, zucchini and onion.
In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil and fry the garlic until golden.
Add the vegetables and sauté over medium-high heat until tender but still crisp.
Pour in the soy sauce and mix well.
Garnish with sesame seeds, if desired, and season with salt and pepper.

These recipes allow you to discover different facets of the Melon radish while highlighting its crisp texture and unique flavor. You can also experiment with other ingredients and seasonings to customize these dishes to your preferences.

HOW TO GROW?

This variety does not like heat, so it must be grown very early in spring, or around the middle of August. I prefer to grow it at this time because it tolerates our winters and the taste of these radishes is more succulent.

They become sweet as you wish with a slightly spicy taste. You can grow them in an outdoor greenhouse or in a cold frame and even in the ground directly with the addition of garden cover and leaves in late October-November.

This will give you the chance to harvest during our winter season.

Our seeds are vigorous, open-pollinated and adapted to the Quebec climate.

  • Species: Raphanus sativus var. longipinnatus
  • Sowing in open ground: First and second week of May (consecutive sowing each week)
  • To have radishes in autumn, sow the first and second weeks of August.
    A little tip for growing: broadcast your seeds
    To enjoy radishes in the cold season
  • For an outdoor greenhouse or a cold frame, you can start sowing from the end of August in consecutive sowings, until the end of September, to have radishes throughout the cold winter season.
  • Sowing depth: 0.5cm
  • Germination time: 4-8 days
  • Soil: Poor, humus-rich, loose and drained
  • Location: Does not tolerate heat, but tolerates shade and winter cold very well.
  • Spacing between plants: 5-8cm
  • Height at maturity: 10-12 cm diameter
  • Maturity: 55-60 days
  • Seeds per envelope: +/- 100
    Our seeds are guaranteed for the year of purchase.

You may also like