How to Store Radishes So They Stay Fresh for Weeks

Radishes are one of the most versatile vegetables because they can be enjoyed raw or broiled, cooked, sauteed, roasted, or even pickled. Their mild flavor and satisfying crunch make for the perfect snack or side dish, any time of year—plus, they’re incredibly healthy. Radishes are rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants; and they’re good for gut health because they contain beneficial prebiotics. 

When it comes to preserving their freshness, it may seem like a good idea to just toss loose radishes in the refrigerator, but there’s actually a few ways to store them so they last even longer. Keep reading so you can learn how to store radishes in ways that extend the shelf life.

How to Store Whole Radishes

There are a few ways to store whole radishes so they last for a few weeks. The easiest way is to place unwashed whole radishes in a sealed plastic bag and then store them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. 

If you don’t have room in your fridge, you can also store radishes in a jar of cold water. Simply wash the radishes, cut the green ends off, and place them in a jar with cold water covering them. Make sure the lid is tightly on, so your radishes stay fresh for over a week. 

Another way to store whole radishes is to trim the tops and then place them in between two damp paper towels. Then, gently place the radishes wrapped in the paper towels into a sealable plastic bag and remove any excess air. This method will help your radishes stay fresh for nearly two weeks. 

How to Store Sliced Radishes 

The thing about sliced radishes is that they have a pretty short shelf life, even when stored properly. Once you’ve sliced your radishes, store them within two hours to keep them crisp. You can either place the radishes in an airtight food storage container and keep them in your crisper drawer, or you can wrap the radishes in a damp paper towel and store them in a plastic bag in the fridge. 

Can You Freeze Radishes?

Radishes can stay fresh in the freezer for nearly a year! Here’s how to freeze radishes for the best results:

1. Scrub any dirt or residue off your radishes, and then either slice them or cut them into cubes. 
2. Blanch the radishes in a pot of boiling water for about 3 minutes. This will help preserve their color and firmness. 
3. Use a slotted spoon or strainer to transfer the radishes from the pot to a bowl of ice water, and shock them for about 2 minutes. 
4. Remove the radishes from the ice water and pat them dry with a kitchen towel or paper towel. 
5. For the best result, store the radishes in a freezer-safe plastic bag. You can also store them in an airtight freezer-friendly container. 

When you’re ready to use your frozen radishes you can cook them straight from the freezer, or you can thaw them by letting them sit out for a few hours. You can also run lukewarm water over them to expedite the thawing process. 

Radishes make the perfect side dish to accompany different protein types, like baked chicken and salmon, or you can whip up a healthy, veggie-loaded snack. If you need some recipe inspiration, we can’t get enough of these Miso Roasted Radishes. And this Skillet Steak and Radishes with Anchovy-Tarragon Butter is so easy to make but tastes like its restaurant-quality. 

How Long Do Radishes Last? 

Radishes that are stored in the fridge (using the above methods) can sometimes last for up to two weeks before spoiling. The best way to tell if radishes are spoiled is to touch them. If they feel soft and slimy, throw them out.

If you want to get the most out of your frozen radishes, follow the directions above to store them in a plastic freezer bag because they will last for up to a year. On the other hand, if you choose to store your frozen radishes in a freezer-friendly airtight container, they will only last for about six months.