10 Surprising Things You Didn’t Know About Horseradish

Rooted in Horseradish: From the Kitchen of the Zing Masters™

10 Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Horseradish

Horseradish has been bringing the heat to kitchen tables for generations, but behind that unmistakable kick – zing, as we like to call it - lies a root full of surprises. At Silver Spring Foods, we’ve been growing, preparing, and perfecting horseradish for nearly a century. Whether you’ve loved horseradish for years or just discovered its bold flavor, here are 10 things you might not know about this unforgettable root.

Horseradish is a perennial root vegetable from the mustard family. Despite its name, it’s not related to the common red radish, and it has nothing to do with horses. The name likely evolved from the German word meerrettich (sea radish), which English speakers might’ve misheard as “mare radish,” eventually becoming “horseradish.”

Horseradish isn’t spicy in the same way a jalapeño is. Its heat doesn’t come from capsaicin, the compound found in chili peppers. Instead, it comes from natural compounds called isothiocyanates, which are released when the root is grated or crushed. That sharp sensation that rises through your sinuses? That’s the zing at work.

Horseradish is at its boldest right after it’s grated. Once exposed to air, light, or warmth, its signature bite begins to fade. That’s why we move quickly at Silver Spring to bottle it fresh.
As Eric Rygg, our president, likes to say, “It’s not like wine - it doesn’t get better with age.” To keep the zing strong at home, store horseradish in the refrigerator with the lid tightly sealed.

Our horseradish roots run deep, literally, in the rich soils of Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Cold winters and fertile farmland help us grow bold, flavorful roots that we harvest, prepare, and bottle with care. It’s how we’ve done it since 1929. What started as Ellis Huntsinger bottling horseradish in an old milk shed has grown into a fourth-generation, family-owned company farming more than 5,000 acres.

In 1941, founder Ellis Huntsinger accidentally added coffee creamer to a jar of horseradish instead of his mug. Weeks later, he found the creamy blend still packed a  punch. That kitchen mix-up led to a breakthrough. Cream not only mellowed the flavor, it helped preserve the heat. Today, our Cream Style Horseradish is a Silver Spring favorite and a delicious nod to our roots.

Bottled horseradish hit the market as early as 1860, making it one of America’s first ready-to-use condiments. At Silver Spring Foods, we continue this tradition using time-honored methods and high-quality ingredients. Our prepared horseradish is made by grinding fresh roots and mixing them with vinegar to lock in flavor and heat. It’s bold, convenient, and always ready to add zing to your next meal.

For over 3,000 years, horseradish has been prized for its culinary and medicinal properties. Ancient Egyptians and Greeks used it for everything from back pain to boosting appetite. In Jewish tradition, horseradish remains one of the five bitter herbs on the Passover Seder plate, symbolizing the hardship of slavery in Egypt. At Silver Spring, we’re proud to honor this deep heritage with every jar we produce.

At Huntsinger Farms, we plant horseradish in spring and fall using custom-built equipment designed just for this root. Each crop starts from a trimmed piece of last year’s harvest. When it’s time to dig, modified potato-diggers reach deep into the soil to pull up the roots, which are cleaned, loaded, and placed in cold storage. From field to jar, it’s a careful process that keeps our horseradish fresh and full of flavor.

Horseradish and roast beef may be a classic pair, but that’s just the beginning. Horseradish adds bold flavor to mashed potatoes, deviled eggs, seafood dishes, salad dressings, and even Bloody Marys. A little goes a long way in waking up everyday meals, and we’re always finding new ways to put it to work in the kitchen.
Explore our favorite horseradish recipes here.

Silver Spring Foods, through Huntsinger Farms, is proud to be the largest grower and processor of horseradish in the world. What began in 1929 with a few acres,  and a strong work ethic has grown into a fourth-generation, family-owned company. Today, our horseradish is trusted by families and chefs across the country for its bold flavor and consistent quality.

Final Zing from the Zing Masters™
Horseradish has been part of mealtime traditions for generations. At Silver Spring Foods, we’re proud to keep that tradition alive - growing our roots with care, bottling bold flavor with purpose, and always delivering the zing that brings food to life. Our mission is simple: to bring excitement and flavor to your meals, one jar at a time.

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