How To Store Radishes So They Stay Fresh And Crisp

Radishes are at their peak in the spring, though several types of radishes are available year-round. Knowing how to store radishes you just brought home from the market can help you extend the shelf life and ensure they remain crunchy with a nice bite for as long as possible. Here's how to do that.

When Are Radishes In Season?

April is peak radish season. Some radishes come into season in spring, just as some are finishing up their season. But usually, as asparagus and ramps start showing up at farmers’ markets, so too do radishes.

Often, you can find a variety of radishes in the spring, including watermelon radishes, daikon radishes, and pink radishes. Radishes purchased at other times of the year likely won't taste as fresh or even have the crunch of in-season radishes.

A little radish can go a long way. This is because of the typical peppery, even pungent flavor of a fresh radish, which can be delicious in salads, sautées, and vegetable side dishes.

How To Store Radishes

Radishes should be stored in the refrigerator. If left on the counter, they'll turn mushy and soft. The cool environment of your fridge will help them maintain their texture and consistency for about a week or so.

Once you’ve brought a bunch of radishes home, start by cutting the stems off and washing any dirt or invisible residue off each one. Wrap the stem-free radishes in a damp paper towel, and either put this in a plastic storage bag or leave it as is, and find room for your little bundle in the crisper drawer. 

When To Store Radishes in Water

If you are looking to keep your radishes fresher for longer than five to seven days, you can try the water immersion method. Storing radishes in a bag in the fridge is easiest, but you do have a window of only about a week before they'll likely be limp and dry.

You'll want to cut off the radish greens, and gently clean each radish with a damp paper towel or moistened dishcloth before dropping the little root vegetables in a jar filled with cold water. This works best if you tightly seal the jar or other container.

How Long Do Radish Greens Last In The Fridge?

Unfortunately, radish greens don't last very long, and but if stored properly, they can last two to three days. The good news is that they are completely edible and quite tasty if you prepare them properly.

After you snip off the greens from the radishes, take a moment to also wash the greens thoroughly, picking off any already wilted pieces or leaves that are no longer green and turning yellow or brown. Toss these unsavory pieces, but dry the remaining greens well before placing them in a plastic container or plastic bag with a damp paper towel and inside the crisper drawer.

How To Cook Radish Greens

If you're wondering what to do with those delicate radish greens, here's a fast idea for cooking them: Heat up a little olive oil in a pan, add a clove or two of crushed garlic to infuse the oil, removing the garlic before it burns, and then adding the greens for a quick sauté in the pan. Sprinkle with salt, and serve as a side or a snack. You can also use the peppery greens while fresh to enhance the flavor of salads.