Hungary is the most important horseradish producer in the European Union

(Photo: Pixabay)

In 2022, horseradish production took place on an area of nearly 1,194 hectares in Hungary, and the harvesting work lasts from October until the beginning of the next planting season, i.e. until March. Based on the latest data, more than 10,000 tons of horseradish were produced in this country last season, which is almost half of the total annual harvest of the European Union. Thanks to the phased harvesting and storage technology, the Hungarian harvest is sufficient to serve not only the domestic market, but also more than half of the European market until the new horseradish is harvested. 80-90% of the horseradish produced in our country is exported, including to Germany, Poland, the United Kingdom and the Czech Republic, typically in fresh, juice form.

We don’t just use it at Easter

In addition to its well-known grated version, which is highly sought after during the Easter season, horseradish is also used as a flavoring for pickled and vinegared preserves (cucumbers, cabbage, beets, mixed cuts, peppers, slaw, etc.). The characteristic pungent taste of horseradish is caused by the butylthiocyanate and allyl isothiocyanate in its root. These compounds are very similar to the active ingredient of mustard oil, they act on the mucous membrane and lacrimal glands; this is why tears come to our eyes when consumed, and it also irritates our nose strongly. Freshly grated horseradish has a high vitamin C content; has a bactericidal and virucidal effect.

Horseradish is a native plant in our country

Its main growing areas used to be in the county of Hajdú-Bihar, Kiskunfélegyháza, and around Budapest, but today it has almost only one growing area left. Hajdúsági Torma is a product with a protected designation of origin (PDO) since 2008, which was also declared Hungarikumm in 2021, thanks to the growing landscape of Hajdúság – which lies at the junction of the Löszát of Ermellék and the Nyírség landscape unit. Horseradish grown in Hajdúság is unique thanks to the so-called buck-back production technology, which is cast in sand and on marshy meadow soil. This planting technology, which is typical for our country, can only be implemented where the climatic conditions and soil conditions are both given. 96 percent of the domestic cropland is located here, which provides a livelihood for hundreds of families.

NAK