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How To Eat Radish Greens

Radish leaves are an edible and nutritious green. Here’s a little bit about why and how to eat radish greens, complete with an Easy Sautéed Radish Greens recipe.

Image of fresh radishes with greens on a wooden background.

Have you ever looked at the luscious green leaves on a fresh bunch of radishes and wondered, “Can I eat those?”

Good news, radish tops are totally edible.

The leafy greens of this common root vegetable are definitely not poisonous.

In fact, they are quite delicious with a subtle peppery flavor.

Radishes are a member of the cruciferous vegetable family, and much like their cousin the turnip, you can eat the entire plant (for the record, turnip greens are equally as tasty).

So don’t just toss them aside. Save those greens, reduce food waste, and prepare for a tasty treat!

Health Benefits of Radish Leaves

Aside from being delicious, radish greens contain some important nutrients and health benefits.

Radish leaves:

  • Are high in vitamin C, vitamin A, and vitamin b6, and potassium
  • Contain significant levels of minerals like magnesium, calcium, and iron
  • Have unique antioxidants to help destroy those free radicals
  • Are a good source of dietary fiber and protein

source: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/1103168/nutrients

A tasty green that can boost the immune system, ward off heart disease, and “leaves” you feeling full (pun intended)? Sign me up!

How to Store Radish Greens

As soon as you get a bunch of radishes home from the farmers market or grocery store, immediately separate the greens from the radish roots.

Image of radishes and separated radish greens on a wooden cutting board.

Next, wash the greens extremely well. They are usually loaded with dirt and grit, so I like to dunk them in a large bowl of cold water.

Afterwards, dry the greens in a salad spinner. You can also lay them out on paper towel and air dry them for a bit.

Radish greens in a metal bowl covered with water with a human hand mixing them.

Store them in the refrigerator as you would any other salad greens, either in a breathable container or separate plastic bag.

Depending on how fresh they are, the greens should last up to about a week. Definitely try to use them before they start yellowing or brown spots start appearing.

How to Use Radish Tops

Like most greens, radish tops are pretty versatile and can be used in a variety of different ways:

Radish greens spilling out of a plastic container onto a wooden cutting board with radishes in the foreground.
  • They are a great addition to any pasta dish, and they pair particularly well with parmesan cheese.
  • Use them in egg dishes just like spinach
  • Throw them in your favorite bone broth for a little radish top soup
  • Use them raw in salads
  • Substitute radish greens for parsley or basil in your favorite pesto recipe

Easy Sautéed Radish Greens Recipe

One of my favorite ways to prepare radish tops is probably the easiest way–just a simple sauté in olive oil with a little garlic and red pepper flakes. 

Image of sautéed radish greens in a metal skillet with a human hand squeezing a lemon on top of them.
  1. Start by heating a couple tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.
  2. Add a sliced garlic clove along with a small pinch of red pepper flakes and sauté until the garlic is fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  3. Add the radish greens to the skillet and give them a good toss (tongs work great here). Cook the greens for a few minutes until they start to wilt.
  4. Immediately remove the skillet from heat. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice (or give balsamic vinegar a try). Season with salt and pepper and enjoy!
Image of sautéed radish greens in a white bowl on a wooden background.

So there you have it: incredible, edible radish greens.

Next time you pick up a bunch of radishes, I hope you give them a try!

More Greens Recipes That Reduce Food Waste

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5 from 1 vote

Easy Sautéd Radish Greens

These easy sautéd radish greens are a great way to use radish tops and reduce food waste.
Course Side Dish
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 2

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic thinly sliced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 4 cups radish greens
  • 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
  • sea salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.
  • Add the garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  • Add the radish greens to the skillet and toss. Cook the greens until they are just wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the lemon juice. Season the greens with sea salt and pepper and serve immediately.
Tried this recipe?Mention @sophisticatedcaveman or tag #sophisticatedcaveman on Instagram!

The ingredient or equipment sections above may contain affiliate links to products that I personally use or recommend!

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Recipe Rating




Miss Black

Saturday 6th of January 2024

Bought some radishes today and the tops were so green and fresh I had to look online for ways to use them. Came across this and just sautéed them up. Very delicious as an unexpected side.

The Sophisticated Caveman

Sunday 14th of January 2024

Radish greens really are tasty, aren't they? Glad you enjoyed them!

Alani

Friday 23rd of June 2023

I never thought about using radish leaves until now. Fiancé and I made it to go with salmon and we were both more than pleasantly surprised when we were both a little unsure about trying something new. We added onion to add a little bit more body to it. If you really wanted to, you could add some bacon, but regardless - this was great. We'll definitely be making this again.

Sometimes, maybe it is okay to trust the internet.

The Sophisticated Caveman

Monday 10th of July 2023

Wow that sounds like an amazing meal! Glad I could help provide some hope for the internet haha!

Larry

Thursday 15th of June 2023

I grow radishes every year. I usually add the cut up leaves to a salad. I tried this recipe and I really liked it. Thank you.

The Sophisticated Caveman

Monday 19th of June 2023

Excellent!! Thank you for the comment!

Susannah

Monday 20th of March 2023

I forgot to add they have a beautiful pink flower blooming on the tops.. thanks again for your recipe and information.

Susannah

Monday 20th of March 2023

Thank you for this information I planted a bunch of radishes this winter, and they bolted I have 12 to 36in long stems and leaves, I love your garlic, crushed pepper and lemon olive oil sautee recipe! thank you