Horseradish

Horseradish. . , Collinsville, Illinois is proud to be the Horseradish Capital of the World, producing roughly 60% of the global supply., Horseradish has been grown in Collinsville since the 1800s when German immigrants brought the farming practice to the city., What makes Collinsville an ideal location for growing horseradish? Collinsville is a bluff community, shaped by glaciers during the ice age. The resulting lowlands are rich in potash, which is a key nutrient for horseradish plants., Additionally, the low-lying ground has more slit and sand, making it ideal for root vegetable growth. , Since 1987, the City of Collinsville has hosted the International Horseradish Festival annually the first weekend in June., This festival includes special horseradish seasoned food, prepared horseradish sauces, freshly ground horseradish root, and fun events like the Horseradish Root Toss, the Horseradish Root Derby, Root Grinding Classes and - of course - a Bloody Mary Contest., (caption:), Horseradish is a perennial root vegetable from the cruciferous family, which includes other sulfur-containing vegetables like broccoli, turnips, rutabaga, Brussels sprouts, and mustard., The horseradish plant produces curly green leaves that grow up to two feet tall and a taproot that, if left alone for years, can grow up to 10 feet deep (to put that into perspective, this sculpture is 14 feet wide…so that's a long root!). , All parts of the plant are edible, but most people are familiar with the distinct white, spicy taproot. , Horseradish Fun Facts: , The name Horseradish is thought to have evolved from the German word for the plant, meerrettich, which translates to "sea radish." It is thought that in English translation, meerrettich was mispronounced as marettich, with mare being interpreted as horse., Horseradish has held a place in folk medicine throughout history, touted to treat aches and pains, colds, and everything in between., Horseradish gets its spicy personality from a volatile compound called isothiocyanate, but it only heats up when the horseradish root is ground (or chewed) and the cells of the plant are crushed, releasing the compound., Recipe on the marker:, Easy Shrimp Cocktail Sauce, 1/2 cup chili sauce , 1/2 cup catsup , 1/4 cup prepared horseradish , 1 tablespoon lemon juice , 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, Blend and chill.