radish vs. Beet - What's the difference?

Everyone tries to eat more vegetables, but it is very difficult to try new ones. Before you even try a new type, your mind has already put up those walls.

Unfortunately, this also happens with radishes and beets. However, if you try them for real, you will discover that they are some of the tastiest and most unique vegetables you can find.

But did you know that radishes and beets are not the same vegetable? And no, they are not variants of each other either: they are actually different types of vegetables.

So what is the difference between a radish and a beetroot? Radishes and beets are two different vegetables. While radishes are classified as rootless vegetables, beets are true root vegetables. Radishes are much smaller than beets and also have a much hotter, more pungent flavor.

In this article, we will delve into the differences and similarities of these two vegetables, not only physically, but also when it comes to taste. We’ll also look at different ways to cook, serve, and combine both radishes and beets.

What are radishes?

Radishes are one of the most underrated vegetables.

Like broccoli and Brussels sprouts, they have gotten a bad rap in recent decades due to their unique flavor.

Radishes are classified as an edible root vegetable. Root vegetables are vegetables that grow underground.

Although radishes are not classified as true roots (tap and tuberous roots), as they are their own plant species, they fall into the same category as bulbs, tubers, rhizomes, and corms.

Radishes have many different subspecies, such as daikon radishes and black radishes, but today we are going to deal more specifically with the traditional little red radish that we all know.

Although the color of the rind/skin of radishes is different, the flesh is usually a deep white, with a few exceptions. They also have long stems and overgrown leaves, but these are not as popular as beets.

You can find many different colors in radishes, the most common being white and red/pink.

Radishes are globular in shape and have an average diameter of about 2.5 cm. Of course, you can get bigger and smaller versions, but they are not that common.

Its flavor is very unique and there are very few ingredients that come close to it; radishes have a spicy flavor with a lingering sweet aftertaste.

Some people also describe it as spicy. The best way to make your own decision about radishes is to try them yourself.

Radishes can be cooked, but they are more popular in their raw form. They are used in many dishes and in many different ways.

Radishes do not have a wide range of textures. They are usually raw (crispy and refreshing), pickled (soft and crisp), or cooked (very soft).

What is beetroot?

Beetroot has been around for thousands of years, and yet not many people know about it.

The beet, or beet, is the part of the taproot that grows from a beet plant.

The tap root is what grows directly below the stem and from which many other roots grow.

For example, the carrot is also a taproot vegetable. At the bottom, and even around the entire carrot, small roots sometimes grow. A beetroot is exactly the same.

Taproot vegetables grow underground. The leaves that grow above the ground are also edible and are often called “beet greens.”

Beetroot, like all other vegetables, has many different variants. The most common, and the one you probably know best about, is the common red/purple beet. They are beautiful, but some varieties are even prettier.

The golden beet, yellow/gold in color, is a very pretty variant and has become much easier to find. Another beautiful variety, and possibly our favorite, is the candy cane beet, which has red and white stripes.

With so many varieties to choose from, it’s so easy to decorate your plate or platter with gorgeous colors.

Beets are usually large bulbs; only fits one or maybe two in one hand. Baby beets have also become increasingly popular, and most varieties can easily be found in miniature versions.

Beet microgreens, or beet sprouts, are the young leaves of beets before they have even developed a bulb. They are also becoming more popular.

To explain the fullness of beetroot flavor, we have another article for you. In short, beets taste very earthy and some say even a bit bitter, but that’s where the art of food comes in.

You don’t have to, or even want to, hide its flavor, but you can easily do so by using different cooking methods or combining the beetroot with different ingredients.

Beets are naturally tough and crunchy, and we do not recommend eating them raw. However, once you cook the beets, they become much softer.

The amazing thing about beets is that you can cook them in different phases. You can cook them until they are completely soft or still have a bit of a crunch, blanch them or cook them until they are mush.

What is the difference?

In addition to being a completely different species of vegetable, there are many other differences between a radish and a beetroot.

Scientifically, radish is classified as the species Raphanus raphanistrum, while beets are the species Beta vulgaris.

There is also the obvious difference in appearance. Yes, they are both round and usually both are red/purple in color. However, they still look very different.

The average beetroot is still much larger than the largest radish and has more of a slightly bumpy and uneven surface.

Radishes also have lighter shades of color, while beets are much deeper and darker in tone. The flesh of radishes is almost always white, while that of beets is the same color as the skin.

Although you can use these two vegetables in much the same way, they have very different flavor and texture results. Beetroot has a more earthy and neutral flavor, compared to the sweet and spicy flavor of radish.

radish vs. Beet - Comparison [Table]

How to cook radishes and beets

Vegetables are very varied ingredients in terms of cooking methods.

The biggest problem when it comes to radishes and beets is trying to incorporate them into meals.

Although it is not necessarily a difficult task, you have to take into account its unique flavors; otherwise, you’ll end up with strange-tasting food.

The most common, and I’m sorry to say the most boring, way to cook both radish and beets is by boiling them.

Boiling vegetables is a great way to cook them evenly, but for these vegetables, it doesn’t do much to bring out new flavors.

Roast

Although boiling may be the easiest option, roasting can certainly be the tastiest and most rewarding method.

Roast these vegetables at 400?F for 20-40 minutes, depending on size. You can peel them beforehand, but the skin is edible. You just have to make sure you wash away the dirt.

You can add a lot of flavor to these roasted vegetables by adding a little thyme, rosemary, garlic, salt, and pepper. You can even add a glaze, like balsamic dressing.

Pickled

Our second favorite way to cook radishes and beets is not by baking in the traditional sense. These vegetables are great for pickling.

Letting these vegetables cure into some delicious sweet and sour mix will not only elevate their texture, but their flavor as well. Pickling neutralizes and at the same time enhances the unique flavors of these vegetables.

You can use pickled beets or radishes in many different ways. You can use them as a garnish or appetizer, in a salad, on a sandwich, or as a simple garnish. The possibilities are endless!

Fried or air

Yes, we know this isn’t the healthiest option and it defeats the purpose of eating these healthy veggies, but French fries and French fries are probably the tastiest veggie snack you’ll ever eat.

Cut the radish or beetroot into thin slices on a mandolin and fry those slices. Once you have removed them from the fryer, sprinkle them with salt and black pepper.

You can also opt to air fry them and turn them into French fries, which can be a healthier option, depending on the recipe you choose. Most recipes include olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper.

fresh/raw

Although radishes have a spicy flavor, if properly combined with the right ingredients, they are delicious!

Raw radishes, and beets, can go very well in many refreshing dishes such as salads. They provide something extra that elevates the other flavors present.

A good mix of different color variants will also turn a boring salad into a vibrant, eye-pleasing and appetizing centerpiece.

You just have to be careful not to pair it with other ingredients that taste too sharp and harsh.

Also, make sure you don’t use large chunks. Our suggestion would be to cut them into thin slices or make small cubes.

Beetroot juice is also a very popular healthy and nutritious ingredient in smoothies and juice mixes.

Radishes and beets on the plates

They are very versatile ingredients, and if you are looking for inspiration on what to prepare with them, here are our top recommendations.

Dishes with radishes:

• Roasted Radishes with Garlic and Rosemary
• Radish, fennel and blue cheese salad with a delicious balsamic vinaigrette
• Radish and asparagus risotto
• Radish and Kale Soup
• Pickled Radishes with Fennel and Caraway Seeds
• Mandarin and radish couscous salad Crispy radish chips or fries

Dishes with beets:

• Balsamic roasted beetroot
• Creamy Beet Salad with Feta and Black Pepper
• Balsamic beetroot salad with goat cheese, pomegranate and sunflower seeds
• Beetroot, carrot and quinoa salad with rocket leaves
• beetroot fritters
• Warm pear and beetroot salad with spicy chorizo
• Rarebit with beetroot and goat cheese
• Crispy beetroot chips or fries

flavor pairing

As delicious as these ingredients are, they are definitely ingredients that should accompany other dishes.

Radishes and beets are great ingredients to add to an entire dish and are rarely eaten on their own. However, there are a few tricks to pairing flavors with these unique ingredients.

Radish Pairing

Radishes have a very pungent and spicy flavor.

Definitely avoid ingredients with similar characteristics. This means staying away from spicy ingredients like chili or other spicy ingredients like horseradish.

If you want to elevate the flavor of the radish, accompany it with neutral flavor ingredients such as cucumber, tomato, fennel, etc.

Beet pairing

Beets are much easier to pair with. Although they have a very earthy flavor, it fades considerably during the cooking process.

This vegetable can easily be incorporated into any dish, especially if it already contains many other vegetables.

It goes very well with creamy foods like goat cheese or fresh cheese. It also pairs well with spicier foods. Spices, especially, complement them well.

Side dishes for radishes and beets

Cereals and legumes will always be the best companions for beets and radishes, as they are for most vegetables.

They offer a neutral flavor so that the main ingredient takes center stage. The texture is also very neutral and does not compete with that of radish and beets.

Plus, there are so many to choose from! Quinoa may be just the thing for your roasted beetroot, especially if it has a lot of flavors already built into it.

Other grains are barley, farro, lentils, different forms of rice, and couscous. All of them can be found easily and can be flavored and served with ease.

Nutrition of radishes and beets

Below we have made a table about the nutritional value of 100g of raw radish and beetroot and compared them side by side.

So what does it all mean? To give you a better understanding of what all of these vitamins and minerals actually do, take a look at our list below.

Health benefits of consuming radishes:

• Radishes contain large amounts of calcium and potassium, which help your body regulate blood pressure.
• They are a great source of anthocyanins, which are flavonoids and pigments that help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
• The high content of vitamin C helps strengthen your immune system and can also act as an anti-inflammatory.
• Manganese helps regulate nerve and brain function.
• Its high fiber content helps improve your digestion and promotes a healthy intestine.

Health benefits of beetroot consumption:

• Beetroot is very rich in nutrients and very low in calories.
• Beetroot, like radishes, also helps control blood pressure.
• Beetroot is great if you want to combat inflammation.
• Its high fiber content also helps improve your digestive health.
• Beetroot contains nitrates that help improve brain health, including cognitive and mental functions.

These are just a few of the many health benefits of each of these vegetables. If you haven’t already, it’s time to include them in your diet!