Horseradish. Medicinal plant

Due to its antibiotic properties, horseradish is recommended as a medicinal plant. We live in an age in which more and more people are developing resistance to antibiotics. Here, the anti-inflammatory and disinfectant effects of horseradish can support our bodies. When we grate a fresh root, we immediately smell the pungent aroma of horseradish, which literally brings tears to our eyes.

This is due to the mustard oil glycosides, which are mainly found in the root. These have an antibacterial effect and are used in folk medicine primarily to treat colds, urinary tract infections, as well as rheumatism and gout. Its vitamin C content is higher than that of a lemon.
At the University of Freiburg, for example, laboratory studies have shown that a combination of plants including horseradish has a pronounced antibacterial effect against all 13 bacterial pathogens examined that cause respiratory tract, throat and urinary tract infections.

Horseradish is a tall perennial plant growing up to 125 cm, with long, serrated stem leaves and small white flowers. It usually grows in gardens, but also naturalises in the wild. The young leaves in the centre can be harvested, as they taste excellent in herb spreads, soups and salads. The grated root goes well with ham and turns a simple sausage into a delicacy. According to experts, horseradish should form part of your daily diet, at least during the colder months.

Warning: Anyone suffering from stomach or intestinal ulcers should avoid horseradish!

Whilst in standard German spoken in Germany and Switzerland the word ‘Meerrettich’ is used, in Austria (and to some extent in south-eastern Germany) the term ‘Kren’ is predominantly used. The word ‘Kren’, which has been used in Austria, Bavaria and Silesia for horseradish since the 13th century (chrēn, krēn), is a loanword from the Slavic language area.
The plant’s original habitat lies in Eastern and Southern Europe, where it is called ‘Kren’ (also ‘Kre’ and ‘Kreen’).

There have been differing views on the origin of the word ‘Meerrettich’. The plant’s name can first be traced in its Old High German form in the 10th century (mērrātih). According to the German botanist Heinrich Marzell, the name means ‘the radish that came to us across the sea’.

Potato pancakes with horseradish:
Mix 300 g of grated potatoes with 50 g of freshly grated horseradish and 2 eggs.
Add 2 tbsp flour, salt and pepper, and fry in hot oil until crispy.
These go well with a dip made from sour cream and herbs. If you like, you can also season the dip with horseradish!

Horseradish drink for a strong immune system:
5 g horseradish root
125 ml naturally cloudy apple juice,
1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp honey
Peel the fresh root and grate it finely. Mix with the juices and leave to infuse for 15 minutes. Strain through a sieve and stir in the honey.
Drink a sip every day after breakfast.

Horseradish soup:
1 onion
3 potatoes
olive oil
1 l vegetable stock
80 g freshly grated horseradish
1/8 l cream
Fry the finely chopped onion in olive oil, add the diced potatoes and fry briefly. Pour in the vegetable stock and simmer until tender.
Add the horseradish and the cream; do not allow to boil any further. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Apple and horseradish dip or to serve with boiled beef:
100g freshly grated horseradish
1 freshly grated apple
1 tsp lemon juice
A pinch of sugar and salt
Mix everything together and leave to stand for a short while.