What is horseradish?
Q: What is horseradish?
A: Horseradish is a perennial plant of the Brassicaceae family, grown for its large, white, tapered root.
Q: Where is horseradish native to?
A: Horseradish is probably native to southeastern Europe and western Asia.
Q: How tall can horseradish grow?
A: Horseradish can grow up to 1.5 meters (5 feet) tall.
Q: Does the unbroken horseradish root have a smell?
A: No, the unbroken horseradish root has very little smell.
Q: What happens when horseradish is cut or grated?
A: When cut or grated, enzymes from the now-broken plant cells cause changes. The enzymes break down sinigrin to produce allyl isothiocyanate (mustard oil).
Q: Why does horseradish need to be mixed with vinegar?
A: Once exposed to air (by grating) or heat, horseradish needs to be mixed with vinegar. Otherwise, it becomes unpleasantly bitter-tasting.
Q: What effect does horseradish have on the sinuses and eyes?
A: Allyl isothiocyanate produced by horseradish irritates the mucous membranes of the sinuses and eyes.
