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It is possible to store daikon at home for a long time, even in a city apartment. It is important to follow the rules for harvesting large root crops and preparing them for storage for the winter. Vegetables preserve their beneficial properties better in cellars and basements with high humidity or in the refrigerator.
When to remove daikon from the garden in the fall
Japanese radish is a heat-loving crop. Therefore, all gardeners and summer residents should carefully monitor the long-term weather forecast, because only high-quality crops can be stored. If there is a threat of early frosts, daikon is harvested even when unripe according to the dates indicated on the package. Most varieties are root crops that protrude high above the soil surface and do not tolerate temperatures below 0 °C. Specimens damaged by frost cannot be stored; they quickly deteriorate. Based on the weather in their area, everyone decides when to harvest vegetables: in September or October.
Non-bitter radishes will taste better if they are fully ripe. This factor also affects keeping quality. If the temperature drops too early and for a short time, a spunbond shelter is built for vegetables that will be stored in winter. During the day, the material is removed so that the plant absorbs solar heat.
Dig up daikon for storage in cool, dry weather. The rows are deeply loosened to make it easier to free the vegetables from the soil. Root vegetables growing in a light and loose substrate freely emerge from the ground if they are pulled by the tops and top of the vegetable itself. First, they try to rock it in the ground from side to side or clockwise. If the root gives in, apply more force and pull it out of the nest. In compacted soil, dig with a fork or shovel so as not to damage the juicy and fragile structure of the pulp when pulling out.
When to harvest daikon in the Moscow region
Sweet radishes in regions where temperatures drop early sometimes have to be dug up before they are fully ripe. But it is better to harvest daikon a little smaller than those damaged by frost. The roots will not be the stated size, but if stored properly they will last for several months. The taste and beneficial qualities do not change radically. If frosts are short-term, the bed is covered with agrotextiles or film with insulation.
Such copies cannot be stored. If the vegetables are not affected by rot, they can be used immediately in cooking.
Rules for storing daikon for the winter
The good keeping quality of Japanese radish depends on the quality of harvesting.Dug up root vegetables, which will be stored for several months, are left in the garden for 4-5 hours so that the soil on the skin dries out. If the day is warm and sunny, vegetables are transferred to a shaded place for drying. Then the soil is carefully shaken off and removed, but not with a sharp tool. It's better to wipe it with a cloth. The tops are trimmed, leaving the tops up to 2.5 cm long. Root crops that meet the following requirements are stored:
- elastic, not flaccid – the density of the structure is felt;
- the skin is naturally white, greenish-cream, or tinged pink in some varieties.
Specimens with dark spots or mechanical damage are not suitable for long-term storage.
Load vegetables into containers for transportation carefully to maintain good pulp condition. Daikon should not be washed for winter storage. First, the root crops are kept for 2-3 days. During this period, hidden damage will appear. Such specimens are left for food; they can last up to 3 weeks without major signs of spoilage. Japanese radish is placed:
- in basements;
- in cellars;
- on an insulated loggia or balcony;
- in a refrigerator.
How to store daikon in the cellar for the winter
The roots are placed in rows in boxes with sand or sawdust, which are moistened as they dry. Otherwise, these materials will draw moisture from the fruit. From time to time, when storing daikon in the cellar, the root crops are examined and specimens are selected for signs of rot so that they do not infect the rest of the crop. The boxes are covered with dense material so that air access remains. You can qualitatively preserve daikon for the winter in a cellar where the air humidity is 70-90%.
How to store daikon in the basement
Properly dug up and dried root crops, intact and without damage, lie well in basements. Japanese radishes are stored together with beets and carrots, or in large boxes filled with sand. If possible, line the boxes with moss. For good storage you need a humidity of 70-90% and a temperature not higher than + 5 °C. Sand is sprayed if it dries out.
How to preserve daikon for the winter at home
In the absence of underground storage facilities, Japanese radish is also placed in residential buildings, ordinary apartments, where there is a place with a temperature no higher than + 7 °C. A few roots can be wrapped in plastic bags and placed on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator. Before severe frosts, below - 15 °C, storing daikon for the winter at home is possible even in an unheated shed. The fruits are placed in a canvas bag or wrapped in cloth and placed in a box, which is covered with an old blanket.
In private residential buildings, closets without heating are installed in which vegetables and fruits are stored. Among them there is also room for a box of Japanese radish, which with its vitamin composition will support the family in late autumn and early winter.
How to store daikon in a city apartment
If there is a balcony or loggia, root crops are placed in these rooms, having organized good insulation of the boxes with the harvest. Vegetables are stored in containers for which they use felt or modern construction insulation, or polystyrene foam. Each root is carefully placed in a box, which is also carefully closed on top. In such conditions, it is unlikely that it will be possible to preserve daikon for a long time in winter, but at temperatures down to -10 °C, you can count on the vegetables not being damaged.You can additionally protect daikon from frost by wrapping each vegetable in foil, cling film or plastic wrap. Old winter clothes and blankets are used for shelter. With the onset of severe frosts, the remaining root vegetables are transferred to the refrigerator. They can be stored on an insulated balcony for a long time.
The vegetable is cut into slices and passed through a dryer. The finished product is stored in tightly closed glass jars. Used for soups.
How to store daikon in the refrigerator
If you are going to store the roots in a household refrigerator, they are also not washed. Japanese radish is left for 4-5 hours to dry out the earthen lumps, which are then shaken off by hand or wiped with a soft material. Prepared root vegetables are placed in perforated plastic bags to ensure air circulation.
Daikon can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 months. The roots should be periodically removed from the bag and inspected for signs of rot. The damaged copy is removed. Even spring-planted daikon can be stored in the refrigerator for a month or a month and a half, although its flesh is usually softer in structure and more vulnerable.
Is it possible to freeze daikon for the winter?
One way to prolong the summer pleasure by consuming sweet radishes with beneficial properties is to quickly freeze the product. The method allows you to store daikon for the winter without significant loss of vitamins and valuable mineral elements.
How to freeze daikon for the winter
Root vegetables change their taste slightly after defrosting and are suitable for use as a component of soups. When preparing for freezing, the best solution is to grate the radish. Some housewives advise cutting into small pieces.If you wish, you can try both options.
Preparing to store daikon frozen:
- wash the root vegetable thoroughly;
- rinse under running water;
- cut off the petioles;
- dry the daikon before chopping;
- peel;
- grate into medium-sized fractions;
- portion into bags or small containers.
Daikon is laid out in small parts, since the product cannot be re-frozen. With such storage, it will finally lose its beneficial properties.
Should I wash daikon before storing?
Before freezing, Japanese radishes must be washed. When storing the roots in the refrigerator, basement or balcony, you cannot wash them. Drops of water remaining after drying can cause the onset of rotting processes.
How long does daikon last?
In a freezer at a temperature of -18 °C, daikon can be stored for a long time - up to 10-12 months. The roots of Japanese radish will remain in the refrigerator for 2-3 months without loss of taste, smell and beneficial properties. The same period is for storing root vegetables in the basement, cool closet or in foam-insulated boxes on a loggia or balcony.
Where is the best place to store daikon?
According to gardeners, the best option for storing Japanese radish is frost-free premises:
- insulated shed;
- cellar or basement with high humidity;
- household refrigerator.
Conclusion
Storing daikon at home is easy. By following harvesting rules that do not damage the root vegetables, you can be sure that fresh delicacies for your vitamin salad will appear on the table throughout not only the autumn, but also the winter months.
