e r l l M e g. – S with li g e b. The Ukrainian name is xpin zvichayny: the popular name is xpin.
Cruciferous family – Brassicaceae (Cruciferae).
For therapeutic purposes, fresh horseradish roots are used. In the wild, it is distributed almost everywhere in wet meadows, on the banks of reservoirs, near dwellings. Cultivated in vegetable gardens. Stocks of raw materials are significant. Up to 2000-2200 tons of wild-growing roots are harvested annually. The main harvests are made in the Lvov, Kyiv, Ternopil, Chernivtsi regions.
Horseradish is a well-known perennial herbaceous plant up to 150 cm high with a thick fleshy root and thin lateral roots. Reproduces vegetatively. In this regard, the annual intensive digging of roots can lead to a gradual decrease in stocks.
Horseradish roots are harvested mainly in autumn, but spring harvesting is also allowed. For therapeutic purposes, the roots of autumn harvesting are used.
The dug roots are cleared of the earth, thin lateral roots and aerial parts of a plant.
Raw materials are smooth, healthy, clean roots with a length of at least 20 cm, in a cross section of at least 2 cm. No more than (percentage) is allowed: slightly sluggish with fresh cracks that have not healed – 10, mineral impurities – 1, with deviations in size – 5 , flabby after winter storage -10. Rotten, moldy, frostbitten roots should not be.
Stored in vegetable stores at a temperature of ± 1 °.
Horseradish roots contain sinigrin glycoside, allyl mustard essential oil, lysozyme, which has a bactericidal effect, vitamin C, phytoncides, myrosin enzyme, minerals (potassium, calcium, phosphorus).
Grated horseradish in small doses stimulates appetite, improves digestion. Fresh juice has antiscorbutic, diuretic and expectorant effects.
It is used for scurvy, rheumatism, gout, urolithiasis, jaundice, for cosmetic purposes. The roots and leaves of horseradish are widely used in the canning industry and in the primary processing of vegetables.