Horseradish Armoracia rusticana, also known as pot-bellied perennial, is an easily wild perennial that often occurs in wastelands. It belongs to the cabbage family, similar to cabbage, kale and peppercorn, also known as watercress.
The used part is the root, which contains many ingredients valuable for he alth, such as volatile oils (mustard oil), vitamins, mineral s alts and phytoncides. Regular consumption of small amounts of horseradish stimulates the digestive tract, especially the stomach and intestines, supports digestion and increases appetite.
Phytoncides contained in it have bactericidal properties - it can be used in the treatment of bronchitis and bacterial diseases of the urinary tract.It also has properties that limit the development of viruses and fungi. However, when used in too large amounts, it may irritate the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract. Horseradish is also used for dermatological treatments aimed at removing freckles or whitening the skin, although it can also cause irritation. When horseradish is rubbed, volatile allyl isothiocyanate is released, responsible for a sharp, burning taste, which becomes milder over time due to volatilization of this compound.
Horseradish is propagated vegetatively by root cuttings.They are obtained from side roots not less than 0.7 cm thick and approx. 20-30 cm long. This dependence is conditioned by the fact that the roots after planting will no longer grow in length, but only in thickness. When obtaining seedlings, it is important to properly mark the top and bottom of the root so that you do not plant them upside down later. This is due to the formation of leaf buds only from the top of the roots.In general, oblique trimming of the lower part of the seedling is practiced.
The homeland of horseradish is Europe, therefore it works great in our climatic conditions.
Winters uncovered, and the above-ground part tolerates frosts down to -4 ° C. The position for its cultivation can be sunny or shaded, but the quality of the soil is important. It will not grow well in heavy, compact soils, because its roots will be misshapen, strongly stringy and very sharp. The best are sludge, loess or sandy loam soils with a high humus content. Grown in sandy, light soils, it will have a delicate, not spicy flavor. It cannot grow in too dry or too wet soil. In the case of water deficiency, the roots become woody, they are thin, and they rot easily with excess water.
