HORSERADISH
                                    ===========

                                   CULTIVATION:
    Horseradish is a perennial plant. At maturity it will reach a height of 2-3
    feet.  It has large dark green floppy  leaves and a single stem which bears
    white flowers.

    Horseradish  needs a open and sunny location. The soil should be deeply dug
    and rich in humus. Sow seeds, or take root cuttings in spring. You can also
    divide  the  plant. Roots will spread  if  not restrained. Raised from root
    cuttings the roots will mature in 150 days. Grows in zone 3-7.

    Thin  and transplant to 12 inches  apart. Not suitable for growing indoors.
    Although  it  grows  on  from  year to  year,  if  not  disturbed the plant
    deteriorates to some extent.

    Dig up roots as needed or in autumn. Store roots in sand, or wash, grate or
    slice  and  dry. You can also immerse  the  whole washed root in white wine
    vinegar. Dry leaves.


                                  CULINARY USES:
    Horseradish is most widely used for culinary purposes, especially in sauces
    and  vinegars.  It  will complement fish,  poultry,  and  beef The volatile
    flavoring  oil is released by grating  the root. The oil evaporates rapidly
    so horseradish is not successful in cooked dishes.

    To  dry the fresh roots, wash, scrub, and  hand dry them. Cut the long root
    into strips and dry in an low temperature oven.

    Mix  2 tablespoons of grated fresh horseradish root in 1 cup of mayonnaise,
    great  for  roast beef sandwiches. Add  young  leaves to salads, also grate
    roots  into  coleslaw and dip. . The most  useful part of this plant is its
    tapered white roots.

                                   MEDICAL USES:
    Horseradish not only peps up a meal, but is useful medicinally, it has been
    recommended for dropsy.

    It  may  be taken internally as  a  syrup for bronchitis, bronchial catarrh
    coughs,  and to stimulate digestive organs.  Apply sliced roots on boils or
    as a rubefacient poultice in rheumatism.

    Dried  leaves  yield a yellow dye, which  may be used to dress skin wounds.
    Fresh  roots  contain  calcium, sodium, magnesium  and  vitamin  C, and has
    antibiotic qualities that are useful for preserving food and protecting the
    intestinal tract.

    One  of  the  most effective herb for  treating  water  retention. It has a
    history  as a treatment for kidney condition  that cause the body to retain
    lots of water.

    Horseradish  is great with sugar and may help hoarseness, it also serves as
    a warm stimulant. Horseradish will help in the digestion of beef.


                                     WARNING:
    Large doses produce inflammation of the gastro-intestinal mucosae.


                                   OTHER  USES:
    Grow horseradish near potatoes for more disease resistant tuber.