A native of western Asia and southeastern Europe , horseradish is a perennial vegetable cultivated for its fleshy roots , yellowish-white color , aroma and taste spicy seasoning used in food, canning and mainstay in the preparation of pickles .

Horseradish is used for centuries in Europe as a medicinal plant . It has large leaves and a root thick, meaty white and brown shell . The root is rich in vitamin C and sailors would take with them on long journeys to prevent scurvy .

Medicinally , horseradish is used alone or mixed with vinegar and shaved .

Horseradish contains vitamin C , A, B1 , B2 , salts , minerals, iron , potassium , calcium , magnesium , glycosides sulfuric, hydrochloric , carbonic , glutamine , asparagine , oils, root due to a pungent odor, allyl sulfide , a substance present in garlic and onions by shaving creates a substance called mirosina which gives irritant properties of the plant.

Horseradish contains an essential oil rich in sweet -smelling sulfur compounds , known as glucozilinaţi . These compounds are found only in plants belonging to the family of mustard . They can irritate the skin , causing blisters and burns. Horseradish contains two or more vitamin C than lemon, B group vitamins and minerals , including potassium , calcium, iron and phosphorus