By Amina Ali | Smart Muslim| 5 March 2024 – 24 Shaʻban 1445 AH | Time: 12.23pm
Radish with its short hairy stem and a clasp of oblong shaped leaves creates a common ambience during Ramadan in Mombasa when the biennial plant jam-packs almost every vegetable vendor’s stand.
At homes across the coastal region, the greenish cruciferous vegetable makes a regular ingredient in many kitchens, forming part of Ramadan’s memorable menus in the culturally rich port city.
“When you walk across Mombasa streets during the Ramadhan season, everyone sells Radish and it is unique because people like consuming it during Ramadhan” Rajab Salim, a Mombasa vendor told Smart Muslim
The radish (Raphanus sativus), with its fleshy edible roots and white to purple flowers is a favourite vegetable during Ramadan. It has a sweet taste and high juice content making it a popular choice for salads, particularly in the evening when Muslims break their fast.
“The versatile nature of the radish allows it to be enjoyed raw or cooked, with its roots and leaves being the primary edible parts. However, seeds, flowers, and pods also find their way onto the plates of those who appreciate this leafy crop,” Omar Said, a local farmer from Mombasa says.
All through the fasting month, radish overtakes every alleyway of the port city, it’s a fave that flares the city’s unique yet buzzing elation of Ramadan. It shapes parts of Mombasa’s fasting culture that is known to offer its residents orchestral eating of great finesse
The capricious coastal weather offers a perfect mix of warmth and conducive soil fertility for radish to grow in abundance, making the region an ideal location for cultivating this popular crop.
Health benefits
There is more to Radish that makes it so popular in places like Mombasa especially among ageing people. It’s so delicious on a plate and so satiating for the body.
The plant that boasts a variety of colors, including red, white, purple, and black has numerous health benefits. Beyond its culinary use, radish plays a key role in freshening breath and regulating body metabolism.
Omar who knows radish like the back of his hand says the vegetable is well known for helping in the management of some stomach-related ailments. That is why it comes in handy when breaking the fast to ease problems like indigestion.
“The roots and leaves of the radish are consumed as a salad to alleviate stomach gas and acidity, offering both a refreshing taste and health benefits,” Omar says
According to Dr Josh Axe, co-founder of ancient nutrition radish is believed to have numerous medicinal benefits including detoxification, weight management, skin and heart health and protection against diabetes.
“The radish is believed to hold detoxification properties that help cleanse the blood of toxins and waste. It seems capable of removing bilirubin, which stabilizes production, and has been used to help treat jaundice.” Dr Axe, wrote about the health benefits of radish in his website draxe.com
The radish is very low in calories and contains a lot of water, due to this, it helps the fasting person in maintaining the body temperature, quenching thirst pangs and enabling one to endure long fasting hours especially in humid cities like Mombasa.
While enjoying the benefits of radishes, it’s essential to incorporate a variety of fruits and vegetables into your diet for a well-rounded nutritional profile. As with any food, moderation is key, and individuals with specific medical conditions or allergies should consult with a healthcare professional before making significant dietary changes.
