Thanks to fertile soil, hot summers and cold winters, horseradish thrives in Illinois. Read on to learn more about this root vegetable.
- Illinois ranks No. 1 in the nation for horseradish production.
- Illinois produces more than two-thirds of the nation’s horseradish supply.
- Madison, Monroe and St. Clair counties are Illinois’ top producers of horseradish.
- Collinsville is known as the “Horseradish Capital of the World” due to the large amount of horseradish farms and production facilities in Madison County.
- Horseradish is a member of the venerable botanical family, Brassicaceae, which also includes broccoli, cabbage, mustard and wasabi.
- Horseradish roots and leaves were used as medical remedies in the Middle Ages.
- Horseradish is a perennial crop, meaning it grows back every year.
- Horseradish is planted in early spring and harvested in late fall.
- Horseradish contains potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and mustard oil.
- The roots have been used to treat bronchitis, sinus congestion, urinary tract infections, ingrown toenails and coughs.
- Collinsville has hosted the annual International Horseradish Festival since 1988.
Sources: Farm Flavor, Madison Historical, U.S. Department of Agriculture, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
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