How and where to store horseradish correctly?

Horseradish is used as a condiment for many types of food and preserves. There are several ways to store its roots. The storage period will only be long if certain rules are followed. The roots can quickly dry out and lose their taste, and in the processed form, fungi or even insects can appear on them.

The nuances of storing horseradish:

• before storage, dirt must be removed from the roots of horseradish with a brush, without damaging the skin (such a nuance concerns horseradish grown independently or purchased from private sellers);
• it is not worth washing the horseradish roots before storage (water will wash off the protective shell and shorten the shelf life of horseradish);
• if horseradish was grown independently, then before storing it must be dried in a natural way (it is important not to dry out the roots by placing them under the rays of the sun or near heating appliances);
• for long-term storage as a whole, only fresh horseradish roots are suitable without mechanical damage, parasite damage or other defects;
• keep fresh horseradish roots in a dark place, which is regularly ventilated and darkened as much as possible;
• horseradish roots can be stored in the refrigerator (it is quite difficult to find a cool place in the apartment, therefore, when stored at home, this method is considered the most effective);
• cellars and basements are considered ideal conditions for storing a large number of horseradish roots (in such places, horseradish retains its taste characteristics for the longest time);
• when stored in the refrigerator, the roots of horseradish must be wrapped with cling film with pre-drilled holes to create ventilation;
• fresh horseradish roots can be frozen (they can be placed in the freezer in whole or cut, placed in containers, plastic bags or cling film);
• horseradish roots can be preserved for a long time by grinding (the best option is to use a blender);
• if you cut the roots into thin plates and dry in the oven at a temperature of at least 50 degrees for several hours, then such a workpiece can be stored for more than a year;
• horseradish leaves can be stored in the refrigerator, but they will begin to fade within a few days (drying or chopping is a more effective way of storing them);
• crushed roots or horseradish leaves should be stored in containers with lids (plastic bags are not suitable for this due to the risk of condensation);
• ordinary glass jars are considered an ideal container for storing chopped leaves or horseradish roots;
• horseradish roots can be used to make a preparation based on table vinegar (fresh root is first peeled, then grated and mixed with vinegar until a homogeneous mass resembling porridge is obtained);
• it is necessary to store chopped horseradish in vinegar in jars with lids and only in the refrigerator.

Decide on the choice of storage method for horseradish at the time of purchase or collection. If the roots are left in the wrong conditions for too long, then fungus may appear on them, and some of the flavoring properties will be lost. A small amount of roots can be immediately placed in the freezer, and if necessary, grind, dry or prepare vinegar blanks.

How much and where can you store horseradish

Horseradish roots can be stored in the refrigerator for 20 days. Place them in the vegetable compartment or on the bottom shelf. The roots can be stored frozen for months. A change in taste characteristics can begin to be observed only after 6-7 months of freezing.

In a dried state, horseradish roots can be stored for almost 2 years. In a crushed form, they are also stored for more than 1 year, but the necessary conditions will differ. Dried horseradish is less demanding on air humidity and temperature conditions. Crushed roots will quickly deteriorate if they get at least a minimum amount of moisture.

In basements or cellars, horseradish roots can be stored for up to 6 months. Better to hang them from the ceiling or walls. This will ensure that the roots receive a sufficient amount of oxygen. If after 3-4 weeks the horseradish began to dry out and lose its hardness, then it is better to grind it, dry it or place it in the freezer.