
The radish (Raphanus sativus) is an edible root vegetable of the family Brassicaceae that was domesticated in Europe in pre-Roman times. Radishes are grown and consumed throughout the world, being mostly eaten raw as a crunchy salad vegetable with a sharp, peppery flavor. They can also be cooked or pickled. The word "radish" derives from Latin radix, meaning root. In Hebrew, the radish is known as tzilim (צלעים). Other relevant translations include radis in French, rabanito in Spanish, and retik in Russian. Radishes are notable for their rapid growth, some varieties being ready to harvest within a month of sowing. They come in various colors, including red, purple, white, and black. Radishes have a crisp texture when fresh, but they become soft and pithy when old. The greens of the radish are also edible and can be used as a leaf vegetable.