I remember my mom making homemade horseradish. It’s a vague memory, but there were large roots, vinegar, a blender, and a pungent scent. Horseradish meant fresh kielbasi, and I loved fresh kielbasi. I still do. Smoked, not so much.
I planted horseradish last fall for the first time, and it is thriving, so I thought I’d dig up just a small piece of root and try my hand at lacto-fermented horseradish, a delicious condiment.
Instead of using vinegar, the horseradish is fermented so that it will be probiotic rich, just like the honey mustard I made recently. I took a cue from that recipe and used whey in my recipe for lacto-fermented horseradish.
Once the horseradish is made, you can use it to make this amazing creamy horseradish sauce.
Horseradish growing in my garden.
How to Grow Your Own Horseradish
Horseradish is a hardy, easy to grow perennial grown from root cuttings. Farmer’s Markets often carry horseradish in the fall, or ask a friend who’s growing it for a piece of root.
Plant your cutting in loose soil with some added compost. The top of the root should be about 2″ below the soil. Keep it watered during dry spells; mulch helps to conserve moisture.
Wait for a frost to kill the leaves before harvesting in the fall. Ok, I admit it. I couldn’t wait and harvested mine after only a light frost. I also only took a small piece of root to allow the plant to gain a strong foothold.
Horseradish can be invasive, so plant it in an area where it won’t choke out other plants.
I made my horseradish on the back porch. I only took a small piece of root because my plant is still young.
Of course, if you aren’t interested in growing your own horseradish, you can still make your own by purchasing roots from a Farmer’s Market. Some grocery stores even sell the root.
I made my horseradish on my back porch so that I’d have good ventilation. I remember how pungent it was when my mom was making it.
More Posts on Lacto-Fermentation
Fermented Strawberry-Rhubarb Soda
Two Ways to Make Homemade Yogurt Without a Yogurt Maker
Make Your Own Fermented Sauerkraut
Fermentation Weights: 10 Ideas For Keeping Your Ferments Submerged
Have you ever made your own horseradish? What’s your favorite way to use it?
Homemade Lacto-Fermented Horseradish
Ingredients
- 1 cup horseradish root scrubbed, peeled and chopped
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 cup whey *
Instructions
- Process the ingredients in a food processor until smooth. Add more whey if needed to keep the ingredients moving.
- Place in a jar, and cover tightly.
- Cover with a dishtowel and allow to ferment on your counter for 2–3 days, and then refrigerate.
- It’s ready to use on meats, in deviled eggs, or mixed with ketchup for a cocktail sauce.