Radish – Chonggak Mu

Radish – Chonggak Mu is also known as Altari radish. It is a small white radish with white flesh and white skin, its size is shorter than a finger and is less than a third of the length of a regular radish. It is often used as the ingredient for the famous Korean kimchi. Unlike other radishes, these radishes are crunchier and retain their whiteness for longer periods. Chonggak Mu is, therefore, a great ingredient for kimchi. Besides, its leaves and stalks are also edible.

1/ Origins of Chonggak Mu

Originally from Korea, Chonggak Radish is a long-standing food tradition in this country. There was a time in some Asian countries when winter food was scarce, and radishes are the only type of food that could be stored for a long time. Due to their ability to be dried, made into kimchi, or salted so that they can be stored and used when food shortage happens, these tubers are also known as “winter ginseng” in many Asian countries.

Besides being rich in nutrients, oxidants, and antibacterial agents, Chonggak Mu is also known for its property of relieving pain, increasing resistance, and fighting cancer and other diseases. Therefore, Koreans often use Chonggak Mu as food decoration and consume it to protect their health.

2/ Nutritional value

Chonggak radish contains many plant nutrients that help promote health and fight diseases. Some substances are abundant in Radish – Chonggak Mu such as:

• Magnesium
• Acid folic
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• Folate (vitamin B9)
• Carbohydrate
• And a lot of antioxidants.

3/ Benefits gained from eating Chonggak Mu

Fighting inflammation

Both ferulic acid polyphenols and quercetin present in Chonggak Mu are powerful antioxidants that reduce inflammation and boost immunity. Furthermore, the high level of vitamin C in radishes contributes to the stimulation of white blood cell production, which helps the body to quickly repair cells and tissues.

Preventing diseases

Chonggak Mu consists of powerful plant nutrients and has a high nutritional content that helps reduce the risk of diseases like arthritis, blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, gout, etc., and minimize the feelings of pain and discomfort associated with injuries.

Several scientific studies have shown that people in countries where Chonggak Radish has long been used regularly have a longer life expectancy, so scientists have been carrying on further analysis regarding its properties which enhance human lifespan.

Improving the respiratory system

Chonggak Mu contains glucosinolates that can also fight some types of cancers, such as lung cancer. This contributes to the destruction of bacteria that live in the mucus environment of the respiratory system, which keeps your respiratory system healthy, preventing bacterial infections and respiratory diseases.

Aiding digestion

Chonggak radish and other types of the radish family are also well known for their digestive properties. The enzymes found in their digestive system are similar to those in the human digestive system, which help digest fats, carbohydrates and proteins. As a result, the body can absorb nutrients more effectively, preventing constipation, increasing metabolism, and also supporting weight loss. There are many synthetic digestive enzymes extracted from Chonggak Mu.

Detoxifying the body

In addition to its therapeutic effects on tumors, Chonggak Mu is a known aid to cleansing kidney and excretion of toxins and fats.

Fighting cancer

According to a study by the American Chemical Society, radishes contain phenolic substances that inhibit oxidative agents, helping to reduce the risk of cancer.

These substances may also protect the liver and lungs, but further studies are needed to confirm its anti-cancer properties.

Chonggak radish’s antioxidants ensure that degenerative disorders such as dementia and impaired cognitive function do not negatively impact the body.

Improving bone health

All cruciferous vegetables, including Chonggak Radish, contain calcium, an essential component for bone health. Age-related diseases can be prevented by gaining calcium for bones, thus reducing the risk of osteoarthritis.

Folate, which is responsible for the production of red blood cells, DNA and cell growth, is also abundant in Radish- Chonggak Mu. This type of tuber is therefore good for both pregnant women and children who are in the process of growing up.

4/ Special Chonggak kimchi recipe

In Korea, Chonggak Mu is mainly used to make Kimchi because it is crunchy and has a pretty color. Now Long Produce will show you how to make this special dish at home:

The main ingredients are Chonggak radish (including the leaves) and some other commonly used spices including minced garlic, salt, sugar, glutinous flour, paprika, spring onions, ginger, etc.

When preparing Chonggak Mu, you just need to wash it and leave it intact or cut it into small pieces.

Start by boiling a mixture of glutinous flour and water and then let it cool, then add the spices in until you get the desired taste.

After that, mix the sauce and Chonggak Mu and preserve it in a container to eat in 2-3 weeks. If you choose to cut Chonggak Mu into small slices, just brewing for 1 week is enough.

This dish has a unique taste, you can eat it with soups or rice. This is why Chonggak radish has become not only a traditional Korean dish but is also served in many restaurants around the world.

You can buy Chonggak Mu fresh or kimchi at Long Produce, we have both of them. In addition, we have a lot of other fresh foods, which will not disappoint you!