What makes horseradish hot?

[franek80]

What Makes Horseradish Hot?

Horseradish is a member of the mustard family (sharing lineage with its gentler cousins, kale, cauliflower, Brussel sprouts and the common radish) and is cultivated for its thick, fleshy white roots.

The bite and aroma of the horseradish root are almost absent until it is grated or ground. During this process, as the root cells are crushed, volatile oils known as isothiocyanate are released. Vinegar stops this reaction and stabilizes the flavor. For milder horseradish, vinegar is added immediately.

[livia]

Mareradish?

[kaima]

Yes, Mareradish. I only know that from the similarity to the German name.

I was not aware it was related to mustard! So this tall plant with the mustard seed on top is related to eh root plant horseradish? Interesting!

This and many other things makes me wish reincarnation were true, so I could come back and investigate so many other fascinating things in this world. Life simply isn't long enough.

Kai