preserving horseradish

[corkybstewart]

I planted a couple of horseradish plants and they've survived the summer from hell so far. I plan to harvest one of them in September, the other in October or November. What's the best way to preserve it once it's grated and mixed with vinegar? Do I can it just like any other pickle? Will freezing it keep it edible and strong for a few months?

 

[Golddiggie]

As far as I know the only thing you need to do (provided you use the correct amount of vinegar, with maybe some salt) is seal them up tight. You might want to do it like you would canning your own tomatoes, or pickles. I wouldn't freeze it though. If you have too much for you to use, gift it to others that like it. Maybe make a few different versions (red, white, other colors) and have people try them.

Even though I've seen dates on the store bought horseradish, it tends to keep until you've used it up. If you do a good job of the canning, I would expect it to last at least a year. If you've not gone through it by then (or given it to those that will) then you need to either give it to more people, or start eating it more. :rockin:

Personally, I don't use enough of it to justify making my own.

 

[corkybstewart]

We go through 4 or 5 of the small jars per year, and I have no idea what the yield will be from these 2 plants. It could be a couple of jars or a couple of pounds.
I did make pickled radishes earlier this year and they're pretty tasty.

 

[skipper1953]

Do your grinding or grating outdoors if possible.

I remember arriving at my grandparents home one time back in the early sixties. Grandpa and Grandma and a couple of uncles were standing around a table outdoors and they appeared to be crying. We soon discovered that the tears were from grinding horseradish.

 

[viking73]

Dad wore his paint respirator when he ground horseradish.