A member of the Brassica family, radishes share some of the apparent anti-cancer properties with broccoli and cabbage. The green leaves are good cooked and are high in beta carotene. In England they were known from the mid 1500's and used for various medicinal purposes including the treatment of kidney problems. Radish seeds grow in pods and these were often pickled and served with ale. Radishes vary in colour from white to scarlet and there are shades of green radish and lavender radish.