Illinois’ Horseradish Fest
Since 1988, the International Horseradish Festival has celebrated the multi-faceted and “vastly under-utilized” horseradish.
This year, it’s June 1 through 3, 2012, in Woodland Park, 2 Pine Lake Road, Collinsville, Illinois (map).
Highlights include a horseradish recipe contest, live music, food booths, root toss, root golf, root sacking contests, craft fair, Bloody Mary contest, Little Miss Horseradish Festival Pageant, the annual Horseradish Root Derby and a children’s area. Admission is free.
Road Trips Foodies shouldn’t miss the Cabot Creamery Coop Pavilion, where they can taste horseradish cheese.
Festival organizers note that Collinsville, Illinois and the surrounding area provides the perfect climate for growing horseradish. Cold winters provide dormancy for the root and the long warm summers are excellent for growing. The soil is rich in potash, which is a vital nutrient in the growth of the horseradish.” It’s estimated that the Southern Illinois area grows almost 85% of the world’s horseradish.
According to Wikipedia, “Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana, syn. Cochlearia armoracia) is a perennial plant of the Brassicaceae family, which also includes mustard, wasabi, broccoli, and cabbages.
