The black inside of radish can be caused by a disease called black rot or mould. It’s not a good idea to eat radishes when they have these black spots inside.
However, if the inside of the radish is black because of a natural process, it’s safe to eat after cutting away the black parts only.
A radish that has gone bad can taste sour or bitter, unlike the crisp taste of fresh radishes. It might even taste like it’s old or rotten which you will never going to eat. If you use bad radishes when cooking, your meal might turn out bad in taste and nobody will like it. So, it’s better to avoid using bad radishes if you can.
Sometimes, they might be bad even before you buy them, so be careful when you’re picking them out at the store or you’re growing on your own.
Signs of Radishes Turned Bad
You can tell if a radish is going bad by how firm it feels. When it becomes soft that’s a sign it might not be good to eat. Radishes hold a lot of water itself, so if some parts of a radish turn soft means it’s losing water and started to spoil.
If only one part of the radish is soft, you can still eat the rest by removing the affected areas. But, if the whole radish is soft then it’s not fresh anymore and you should throw it away. Let’s see other signs –
1. Discolouration – One of the most obvious signs is a change in colour. Fresh radishes are usually vibrant and good in colour. If you spot any dark or brown patches, mould or discolouration, it’s a sure sign that your radish has spoiled.
2. Change in texture – Fresh radishes are crispy and firm in texture. As already mentioned above, when they turned bad, they become soft, mushy or even slimy. If the radishes feel different to the touch, it’s a sign that they’re no longer fresh now.
3. Wrinkling – Healthy radishes have smooth skin. If you notice significant wrinkling or shrivelling of the skin, it’s a clear indicator that the radish is dehydrated and past its freshness.
4. Unpleasant smell – A sour or foul smell is a definite red flag. Radishes have a pleasant aroma and any rancid smell indicates spoilage. So check your radish if there is any unusual odour
5. Mould growth – Mould is a common problem when radishes go bad. If you see any fuzzy or slimy patches on the radishes especially around the leaves or at the root end it’s a clear sign that mould has taken hold.
6. Rubbery feel – If the radishes feel rubbery or tough when you try to bite into them then it’s also a clear sign that they are rotted in quality. Just throw them away.
7. Flies – When you notice small flies near your radishes then it could be a hint that the radishes are started to spoil. Drosophila melanogaster is an example of a common fly. These flies feed on decaying fruits and vegetables. So, if you observe a significant number of flies near your vegetables, it’s likely that they’re going bad and it’s better to throw them away.
Check this: Why Are My Radishes Long and Thin?
How Long Do Radishes Last?
Radishes have a crisp texture and delightful flavour used in salads, sandwiches and various dishes. But like all good things, their freshness does have a limit. So, how long do radishes last before you start noticing changes in their quality?
When it comes to radishes, the answer depends on several factors, including how you store them and their initial condition.
Radishes spoil due to moisture loss, making cooler storage essential for prolonging their freshness.
At room temperature, radishes typically hold up for about two days, possibly just a day if it’s warmer at your place. In the refrigerator, red radishes maintain their quality for up to two weeks when stored properly. For black radishes, refrigeration can extend their lifespan to an impressive two months.
However, radish greens have a shorter shelf life. Storing them in the fridge led them to only 2-3 days of freshness before they begin to deteriorate.
How to Store Radishes to Last Longer?
The ambient temperature significantly affects the freshness of radishes; warmer conditions lead to quicker spoilage. To extend their life, choose storage locations wisely and opt for cooler environments to preserve radishes.
For even longer storage, freezing radishes is a viable option. Here are some steps you can follow when preserving the radishes –
- Wash and thinly slice the radishes.
- Arrange the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them until solid.
- Move the radishes that are frozen into a container or bag that’s safe for the freezer.
- When needed, defrost the radishes and incorporate them into your recipes.
- Freezing allows you to keep radishes on hand for extended periods, ensuring you have a convenient supply for your daily meals.
Apart from this, a good way to remember is to write down when you put the radishes in the refrigerator. If you see one radish going bad, take it out. If you leave it there, the rot can spread to the other radishes, and your efforts will be wasted.
To fully enjoy the crispiness of radishes, it’s best to use them relatively soon after purchase.
Also Read: Why Are My Radishes Growing Above Ground?
What Happens When You Consume an Expired Radish?
Consuming food after it has passed its expiration date can lead to illness. Raw radishes have the potential to carry harmful bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella can cause fever and other illnesses.
However, the bacteria responsible for food poisoning aren’t the same as those in spoiled vegetables. If your radishes are getting wilted, it’s due to moisture loss and eating them can make you sick.
Check what radishes have gone bad. When radishes spoiled, they lose their nutritional value. So, still eating them won’t give you any benefits right?
Simple Future Planting
Here are a few simple solutions for your future planting
Variety Choice – Consider planting different types of radishes like Black radish, Red radish, and Small radish. This diversity can help prevent problems.
Clean Soil – Use fresh soil that’s either new from a bag or sterilize your soil to get rid of pests.
Change Location – If a spot where you previously grew radishes had issues, try planting in a different place next time. This can reduce the chances of repeating the problem.
Plant Horseradish – Growing horseradish can be a helpful step. After a year or two, the soil gets cleansed, making it better for planting other crops.
Conclusion
Black spots inside radishes don’t always mean you can’t eat them. Sometimes, just removing the affected area can do the work and you can still enjoy the radish. However, if the entire radish appears compromised, soft or foul-smelling then it’s best to avoid it.
So whether you want to add radishes to your salads, pickle them or have them as a snack, just check their smell and overall appearance.