Horseradish

Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) is a flowering, perennial member of the Brassicaceae family, which also includes cruciferous vegetables such as mustard, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and wasabi. Native to southeastern Europe and western Asia, horseradish is now cultivated throughout the world, although it can only be grown successfully as an annual in certain regions. In hardy zones, however, the plant will soon become invasive if it isn’t contained, producing new plants from underground runners that shoot off the main taproot.

On a commercial scale, horseradish is produced throughout Europe, South Australia and in California and Wisconsin in the U.S. Collinsville, Illinois, however, is the self-proclaimed “Horseradish Capital of the World,” a title well-deserved since the town hosts a International Horseradish Festival every June to celebrate the fact that it produces 60% of the world’s horseradish supply. Combine this with horseradish-producing farms in neighboring Illinois and the entire area represents 85% of the world’s supply of commercially cultivated horseradish.