Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana)
Flowers: May to June. Height: Up to 90cm (36in).
Horseradish has been cultivated since antiquity. According to Greek mythology, the Delphic Oracle told Apollo that the horseradish was worth its weight in gold. It arrived in England from western Asia sometime before the 16th century.
Medicinal: Culpeper’s Complete Herbal (1653) reported that for chronic rheumatism “the bruised root laid to the part affected with sciatica, joint-ache or the hard swellings of the liver and spleen, helps them all”. Leaves were used to combat coughs and sinus infections.
Culinary: Used for a hot-tasting sauce.
