Blogging from A to Z: H Is for Horseradish

We're not horsing around about horse radish.

My choice for "H" in the A to Z Challenge was inspired by a friend's comment to a Facebook post during Passover. My friend commented that she wasn't aware that the condiment, horseradish, was also known as the bitter herbs of the Passover tradition. I started to muse about horseradish and decided to do a little research on my favorite condiment/Passover tradition. I soon realized I knew nothing about horse radish, other than I like it a lot.  

I love horse radish for the spicy kick it gives to food, but was surprised to find it has significant health benefits. I had a meeting (also known as lunch) with my friend, Nancy, this afternoon. Nancy is a member of the Buttercupland Editorial Board, and asked about the topic for this "H" post. Nancy is also a horse radish fan and pointed out one of the best known effects of horse radish, its positive sinus effects. We laughed that horse radish can definitely clear ones sinuses. 

Horse radish belongs to the same family as kale, radish and cabbage. It is thought to have originated in temperate Eastern Europe, having been cultivated since antiquity.  It's low in fat and calories and helps boost immunity, supports bone health and weight loss. It has a high nutrient and mineral content and the specific organic chemical composition of enzymes and oils that all work together to provide health benefits. 

I knew I liked the taste of horse radish, but never thought it was actually a healthy food. On reflection, it's not really a surprise. It's a mainstay in Eastern European Jewish cuisine. It's very high in Vitamin C, which was always a need in the long cold winters, and as a root vegetable could be kept through the winter. Our ancestors were no fools. They found substances that added flavor to meals and kept them healthy.  

A jar of horse radish is one of the condiments in my refrigerator door. I'm going to be looking for new ways to incorporate it into my meals. 

Thanks to my visitors from the A to Z Challenge and welcome. The next post in the series looks at two sweet treats that are definite favorites. I hope you'll stop by for "H" and "I."

As ever, thanks for visiting and take good care.