The Hungarian horseradish crop is sufficient to serve more than half of the European market.

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 04. 10. 12:15

As Easter approaches, the demand for various grated horseradish products starts to increase exponentially every year. Hungary leads the European Union in horseradish production: the Hungarian crop is sufficient to serve more than half of the European market – the National Chamber of Agriculture (NAK) and the Hungarian Fruit and Vegetable Association (FruitVeB) drew attention on Thursday.

Horseradish is grown on almost 1,250 hectares in Hungary, and the annual harvest is around 10-11 thousand tons, a significant part of which is exported. Hungarian horseradish is primarily sold on the markets of the United Kingdom and the Czech Republic, typically in fresh, unprocessed form.

Although most consumers during the Easter period are looking for the grated version, the food industry also likes to use it for pickled and vinegar-preserved preparations (cucumbers, cabbage, beets, mixed vegetables, peppers, horseradish, etc.) – they explained.

The characteristic pungent taste of horseradish is caused by the butylthiocyanate and allyl isothiocyanate in its roots. These compounds are very similar to the active ingredient in mustard oil, and act on the mucous membranes and lacrimal glands. Freshly grated horseradish is extremely healthy, high in vitamin C; it has a bactericidal and antiviral effect, they added.