Radish

The radish (Raphanus sativus) is an edible root vegetable of the Brassicaceae family that was domesticated in Europe in pre-Roman times. It is usually eaten raw in salads. Radishes mature rapidly, with many varieties germinating in three to seven days and reaching maturity in three to four weeks. They grow best in full sun and light sandy soil.

Special domed farms at the Habitat Mars complex produce abundant crops of food plants. Such is the surplus – far in excess of what is required by the Martian residents – that supplies of radishes, cucumbers and giant ears of corn are regularly shipped back to Earth.