What you need to know: Daikon is a winter radish native to southeast and continental Asia. Characterized by its fast growing leaves and white root, it is commonly used for its medicinal properties. It is low in calories but rich in vitamin C, B vitamins, and a multitude of minerals including potassium. It contains large amounts of enzymes that are utilized in fat and starch digestion, making it a beneficial remedy for digestive issues. Daikon is known to speed up digestion, and can be used to treat constipation, gas and diarrhea. Asian cultures also consider it to be useful in boosting the immune system, fighting congestion, coughs, and sore throats, as well as preventing cancer.

Why you should try it: Daikon has been used for centuries as a natural diuretic and cleansing agent for the blood and body. Through its diuretic effects on the body, it stimulates the clearance of toxins via the kidney and eliminates excess fluids. This helps to lower blood pressure, combat edema, cellulite and bloating. Its cleansing effect on the blood may help to treat certain skin conditions including acne and eczema. When eaten regularly, daikon is believed to alleviate symptoms of fatigue, reduce the incidence of migraines and to be a good hangover remedy.

Let’s get together: Often served pickled in Asian cultures, daikon can be added to any dish or eaten as a condiment. It can also be boiled to create a broth or tea, which is the best method for treating digestive ailments, especially constipation or diarrhea. Daikon can also be juiced, giving you access to its unique enzyme profile. Our favorite way to drink daikon juice is by blending it with Pressed Juicery’s Citrus 1 – this boosts its cleansing abilities and softens the taste of the daikon.