white radish

Daikon (大根 (だいこん) or mooli (Raphanus sativus var. longipinnatus) is a mild-flavored winter radish usually characterized by fast-growing leaves and a long, white, root. Native to continental East Asia, daikon and its cultivars are now harvested and consumed globally. In some locations, daikon is left unharvested to loosen compacted soils and recover nutrients.

==Names== thumb|left|Varieties of Raphanus raphanistrum subsp. sativus from the Seikei Zusetsu agricultural encyclopedia, 1804 In culinary context, daikon () or is most common. Historical ties to South Asia give it the name mooli () in certain cultures. Other terms include white radish, winter radish, Oriental radish, and long white radish, while still other names can be used. Other synonyms usually vary by region or describe regional varieties of the vegetable. When it is necessary to distinguish the usual Japanese form from others, it is sometimes known as Japanese radish.