Beet and Ginger Mocktail
Sip on this sparkling, refreshing mocktail. Perfect for day
or night.
Yield: 1 cocktail
Ingredients
1 cup club soda
1 tablespoon grated beets
1 teaspoon grated ginger
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons agave
1/2 cup of ice
Preparation
1. Combine club soda, beets, ginger,
lemon juice, agave and ice to chill in a
small mixing bowl.
2. Pour mixture through a strainer
into a separate mixing bowl to remove
beet, ginger pulp, and ice.
3. Pour into glass.
4. Garnish with beet star.
Variation:
Add 1 1/2 ounces of gin.
Curious Food
The Black Spanish Radish is an ancient, medium-hot, winter radish. This radish is
part of the root vegetable family and is a slow growing crop with a 60-day harvesting
period.
The Black Spanish Radish has a thin black skin with white flesh and is similar in size
and shape to a turnip at about 3” to 4” in diameter. The texture of the Black Spanish
Radish is tender but dense and a bit dryer than other radishes. The flavor is peppery,
earthy, and slightly bitter, similar to traditional radishes.
The Black Spanish Radish was first cultivated in the Eastern Mediterranean, and was
then popularly grown in Egypt, England and France. This radish has long been used
as a medicinal remedy around the world. In Europe and China it is used for digestive
purposes as well as to improve gallbladder health. In India, the black radish is utilized
for liver health and in China it is used to promote pulmonary and respiratory health.
The Black Spanish Radish can be eaten raw or cooked and is used in a variety of
preparations:
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The radish can be sliced and served with dips as an appetizer.
It can be grated and tossed into a salad.
It can be sautéed and served as a side dish.
Or it can be diced and added to soups, stir fries, or stews.
If the flavor is too pungent for the palate, slice and salt the radish and rinse before
serving. Chervil, chives, sea salt and parsley all do a nice job of enhancing the flavor
of the Black Spanish Radish.
Black radishes are an exceptional source of vitamin C, and also provide vitamins
A, E, B, as well as the minerals potassium, iron and magnesium. While being a very
low calorie food at only 16 calories per a 3 ounce serving, these radishes pack a
nutritional punch with an impressive level of antioxidants, electrolytes, vitamins and
minerals.
Look for Black Radishes during their peak seasons of winter and spring. When
choosing your radish check for a fresh and firm appearance. Avoid those with cracks
or cuts or those not sporting crispy green top leaves. Once the best radish has been
selected, take it home, remove the top greens, thoroughly wash the outer surface,
and store in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for no more than two weeks.