Miraculous Roots

I really love my little farmer's market. I have not been very faithful in going lately. I've been pouring over frantic food books, but yet resorted to the big chain stores. Life sometimes fools you into thinking you need these.



Last week I made plans with a friend I haven't seen in awhile. She had the ingenious idea of meeting at the market because we both have great intentions of making it a habit, but sometimes fall short. I'm so glad I was able to finally catch up with a friend and market finds.



My favorite booth had orbs of black jewels piled in a basket. Now radishes aren't my favorite thing on the planet, but I'm always optimistic about foods that people swoon over. I hear people speak of fresh radishes as if they were chocolate. This radish was intriguing to me. No chain supermarket ever has these nestled in their abundance.

The farmer selling these beauties gave us so much information. He told us that many health food store concoctions for immune boosting, lists black radish as a number one ingredient. Turns out these black roots are a powerhouse of medicinal properties. This house is in dire need of immune boosting so at his ridiculously cheap rate of 5 cents per radish I was game.

The farmer informed us that the outer part is where it's spice is held. He said he never peels this off. The internet told me that it would be much better to peel it. Sorry internet, friendly farmer won. There is no need to peel away the flavor from these.

I threw together a coleslaw that is nice and spicy from the radish, and cooling with the yogurt. It would be a perfect Superbowl burger accompaniment.



Black Radish Slaw

1 large black radish washed and grated SKIN AND ALL
1/4 red cabbage grated
1/4 regular cabbage grated for a total of about 4-5 cups slaw radish mix
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup plain yogurt
juice of half a lemon
1 1/2 Tablespoons agave nectar (more if you like your slaw on the sweet side)
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 teaspoon celery salt

Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. I like to make this the day before so everything wilts every so slightly and the flavor deepens.



I almost wish these were available at every major market so everyone has the opportunity. Then again it makes my little market and my favorite booth even that much more of a diamond in the desert.