Quick Pickled Watermelon Radish

The round root vegetables are white on the outside, but one slice reveals a hidden, deep fuchsia center. Sweet, spicy, and crunchy, the heirloom variety of the daikon radish is a great addition to spring salads. Pickling them transforms them into a delectable zingy accompaniment to tacos or weekend hotdogs and hamburgers. For those who find pickling intimidating, quick pickling, I promise, is super easy, and once you start here, you’ll be pickling everything.

6 ounces watermelon radish thinly sliced

1 cup unseasoned rice vinegar

1 tablespoon honey

1 tablespoon sugar

¼ teaspoon peppercorns

¼ teaspoon kosher salt

2 cloves garlic, roughly chopped

½ jalapeño, sliced in strips

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

1. Wash radishes, dry, and slice using a mandoline or sharp knife about a ¼ inch thick.

DON'T MISS THE REST OF THIS STORY!
Create a free account to continue and get unlimited access to hundreds of Nat Geo articles, plus newsletters.

Create your free account to continue reading

No credit card required. Unlimited access to free content.
Or get a Premium Subscription to access the best of Nat Geo - just $19
SUBSCRIBE

Read This Next

'World’s worst shipwreck' was bloodier than we thought
World’s first ultrasounds of wild manta rays reveal a troubling truth
Titanic was found during secret Cold War Navy mission

Go Further

Subscriber Exclusive Content

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet