I’ve always enjoyed pickled Daikon in Japanese restaurants, often served as a side dish alongside sashimi. (I rarely eat sushi, due to the rice.) Daikon, an Eastern Asian white radish, has white skin, a crunchy texture and a juicy interior. This radish boasts a mild, slightly sweet and peppery flavour, making it a fabulous ingredient to incorporate into many Asian dishes. From pickling to stir-fries, soups to salads, daikon offers a refreshing addition to a plethora of dishes. Additionally, daikon brings a wealth of health benefits to the table. Daikon is readily available in supermarkets and is super healthy – about 120 calories with zero fat, 2 grams of sugar, 1 gram of protein, 4 grams of carbohydrates and 2 grams of fibre per cup. One cup of sliced daikon has 2 grams of net carbs per cup, making it an awesome ingredient to incorporate into a heart-healthy diet. In a single cup of chopped daikon, you’ll find a wealth of nutrients, including vitamin C, providing approximately 16-20% of the recommended daily intake (RDI), potassium contributing around 10% of the RDI, and a variety of other essential nutrients such as folate, vitamin B6, calcium and magnesium, albeit in smaller amounts. Enjoy a cup or two of sliced daikon after a long walk. It hydrates the body. Daikon offers diverse health benefits. Its diuretic properties aid in fluid elimination, benefiting edema sufferers. Rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C, daikon combats free radicals, helping to reduce disease risks. Research hints at its anti-inflammatory potential, possibly easing arthritis symptoms. Its enzymes aid digestion, reducing post-meal discomfort. Beyond its culinary and nutritional prowess, daikon also holds cultural significance, often symbolizing prosperity, longevity and good fortune in many Asian cultures. Here are 10 recipes that celebrate the versatility of daikon: • Daikon Radish Salad – Ingredients: Daikon radish, carrots, sesame seeds, sugar-free rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar), low-sodium soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar or sweetener of choice, salt, green onions. • Daikon and Carrot Pickles – Ingredients: Daikon radish, carrots, sugar-free rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar), sugar or sweetener of choice, salt, garlic, chili flakes, water. • Daikon Radish Kimchi – Ingredients: Daikon radish, Korean red pepper powder (gochugaru), garlic, ginger, fish sauce, salt, sugar or sweetener of choice, green onions. • Daikon Radish Cake (Chinese Turnip Cake) – Ingredients: Daikon radish, rice flour, Chinese sausage (lap cheong), dried shrimp, scallions, garlic, low-sodium soy sauce. • Daikon Miso Soup – Ingredients: Daikon radish, dashi stock, miso paste, tofu, green onions, seaweed (optional). • Daikon Radish Pancakes – Ingredients: Daikon radish, flour, eggs, green onions, garlic, low-sodium soy sauce, sesame oil. • Stir-fried Daikon with Shrimp – Ingredients: Daikon radish, shrimp, garlic, ginger, low-sodium soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, green onions. • Daikon Noodle Salad with Peanut Dressing – Ingredients: Daikon radish noodles, cucumber, bell pepper, carrots, peanuts, cilantro, lime juice, low-sodium soy sauce, sesame oil, raw honey. • Japanese Daikon Steak – Ingredients: Daikon radish, mirin, low-sodium soy sauce, sugar or sweetener of choice, vegetable oil, sesame seeds. • Grilled Daikon Radish with Miso Glaze – Ingredients: Daikon radish, miso paste, mirin, low-sodium soy sauce, sake, sugar or sweetener of choice, sesame seeds. I created this Daikon Summer Salad incorporating other fresh veggies and whatever protein you desire, along with a highly flavourful spicy peanut dressing. If you dislike peanut sauce, make a simple Asian dressing using sugar-free rice wine vinegar, avocado oil, low-sodium soy sauce and a drizzle of sesame oil. You can enjoy this salad as an entrée or side dish. This recipe makes four side dishes or two entrees with protein. by Shari McIntyre For more information on wine and food, go to Ketopaleosharimac.com Daikon Food & Drink 46 | www.snowbirds.org
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