Yongkang Radish

Yongkang Radish

　　When people mention Yongkang, radishes immediately come to mind, as reflected in the local saying, “Yongkang, Yongkang, radishes and ginger.” The people of Yongkang have been cultivating radishes for over a thousand years, producing high yields and quality crops, making it a specialty.

Yongkang radishes have thin skins, tender flesh, juicy and sweet flavors, and a crisp, delicious texture. They can be eaten raw like fruit, and are also a commonly consumed vegetable among urban and rural residents.

Radishes are processed into thin slices called "radish money," which are as thin as coin edges and have a long shelf life without easily spoiling. When cooked slowly in a pot with ham or cured meat (or pork with a small amount of salt), the resulting broth is sweet and savory, resembling a soup made with dried scallops. It is regarded by Nanjing locals as an exquisite dish for entertaining honored guests. Shredded radish, dried radish, and radish jerky are brightly colored, aromatic, soft, crisp, and delicious, with a slightly sour and salty taste. These are easy to store and are beloved by many. In our city, it has long been customary to process these products, which are not only consumed at home but also sold in markets. The city’s non-staple food company also produces various radish-based products, with annual sales exceeding 100 tons.

Radishes are highly nutritious, rich in vitamin C, sugars, minerals, and more. They promote metabolism and offer significant nutritional and medicinal value. Radish peel (known as "di gu lou") can help treat difficulty urinating, limb swelling, cough with phlegm, and poor appetite. Radish seeds (called "lai fu zi") are effective against coughs, phlegm congestion, indigestion, chest tightness, abdominal bloating, and diarrhea. Radish leaves ("lai fu") can help relieve indigestion, diarrhea, dysentery, sore throat, and bronchitis. The fiber in radishes can also boost the activity of macrophages by 2–3 times, thereby enhancing the body’s anti-cancer capabilities.

(Yongkang)