Bulbs, rhizomes and tubers: Horseradish

Native to Eastern Europe and Western Asia, horseradish ( Armoracia rusticana ) has long been a staple in peasant kitchens and herb gardens. This tall perennial, belonging to the Brassicaceae family, develops a fleshy, deeply rooted rhizome from which long, green, veined leaves emerge each year, quickly establishing a prominent presence in the garden's edible corner.

In the organic garden, horseradish establishes itself as a reliable plant: once well-established in welcoming soil, it faithfully returns season after season. Its small white flowers, clustered in delicate panicles, add a subtle touch to the garden's cycle and attract various insects. Its pungent and aromatic root finds its place in the kitchen as a living condiment, linking the age-old practice of autumn harvesting to the everyday pleasures of a simple and flavorful meal.