horseradish

the temps have slowly been dropping each night.
when i first wake up i look out to see if another frost has hit.
not because i want to see how many layers of woolens should be applied.
but rather i have been waiting patiently for the right moment to unearth a very special root growing in our garden. horseradish.

an herb, a condiment, a stimulant, and an excellent source of vitamin C, horseradish is one of my favorite flavors.

i bought a horseradish plant at the farmers market this spring and immediately planted it as soon as i got home.
although it prefers full sun it can tolerate part shade. it grew beautifully all summer long, putting out huge dark green leaves.

it could easily be mistaken for a weed. i like it's secretiveness in the garden.
a passerby might glance over it's large plain leaves but little do they know the jewel growing below.

the roots should be dug only when the plant is not actively growing, i.e., early in the spring as the crown is just starting to show a bit of green growth or in the fall after the second hard frost where it is said to taste better.

i was anxious to dig it up today to see just how much root there was hiding under there.
i was happily surprised to find quite a bit and the earthy, spicy smell was divine.
i left a bit of root still in the ground for next year.

i washed and peeled the root and then ground it up in the food processor with a bit of water. i then added it to a jar with a pinch of salt and a few dashes of white vinegar.

i am so excited about our homegrown horseradish.
i keep opening my fridge just to look at that jar.

maybe just because the secret has been revealed.