How to Make Homemade Prepared Horseradish

A Quick Guide to Horseradish

Horseradish is a part of the mustard family along with another spicy condiment, wasabi. The harvested or purchased whole root will keep in the crisper drawer for a week or so and will dry out over time. The potency of each root can range greatly depending on the freshness, size, age, and characteristics of the individual plant.

Grating or processing fresh horseradish can cause eye and nose irritation. Crack any and all windows and make sure the kitchen is well-ventilated before beginning.

How to Harvest Horseradish Root

You grew horseradish...and now you just need to get that root out of the ground without damaging the plant!

For those in temperate climates, it's best to harvest the roots in the fall or winter, after a frost. The frost will improve the root's flavor, as long as you like it really kicky! Spring will work, too, as long as the plants are still dormant.

Because horseradish roots grow out rather than down, be mindful when digging them up. First, loosen the soil all around the plant. Probe the ground with your hand to see if you can locate the roots. Then keep digging until you can raise the whole plant out of the soil.

Make sure to save some roots to replant! You can do this on the spot or overwinter them and plant them later.

Any roots you harvested to use in the kitchen will last at least a few months in the fridge if you tuck them into a breathable bag (if it's plastic, punch some holes in it).

Food Processor, Blender, or Box Grater?

• Since this recipe is for such a small amount of prepared horseradish (a little goes a long way), a small or mini food processor or chopper works best. Six-cup capacity or smaller will work.
• To use a large food processor (more than 6-cup capacity), you can double the recipe to yield 1 cup of prepared horseradish.
• Alternatively, you can use a high-power blender if you stop and scrape down the sides several times to keep everything incorporated.
• Finally, you can always do it the old-fashioned way and grate the horseradish by hand using the small holes on a sturdy grater or a grinder and some elbow grease.

How to Store Prepared Horseradish

Homemade prepared horseradish will keep for at least 1 month in the fridge, often for much longer. If it turns gray, toss it out. While it's unlikely you'll need to store it for longer, you can freeze it and defrost when ready to use. It will lose some of its potency this way.

Use Your Prepared Horseradish In These Recipes!

• Horseradish Sauce
• Bloody Mary
• Remoulade Sauce
• Deviled Eggs with Horseradish and Dill
• Shrimp Cocktail