Mad Chatter

With the rise of health and wellness, the restaurant world has begun to experience profound changes in the way people choose where and what to eat. Consumers are increasingly interested in learning about the nutritional information of their food and are actively trying to avoid ultra-processed foods. They know that whole foods are great for […]

Corporate catering in Ottawa and Toronto is undergoing a fantastic transformation. Gone are the days of greasy sandwiches, bland pasta and boring salads. Today’s offices are looking for food that captures the tastes and values of their workforce: healthy, sustainable, hearty and delicious.   Companies are also increasingly focused on their environmental impact and are more […]

This is an unusual and unnerving time. The coronavirus, or COVID-19, has permeated every aspect of our lives. No one can completely eliminate the risk of contracting coronavirus, but there are steps we can take to bolster our immune system and they’re all about nutrition. Let’s take a look at some of the ways you […]

Many people use the start of a new year to make positive changes in their lives, including living a healthier lifestyle and practicing self-care. One of the best changes we can make is to start eating more nutritious food.  One of the most challenging things about making different food choices is that we are bombarded […]

The spice rack in the Mad Radish kitchen is brimming with seasonings and flavours from all over the world. We are often asked about some of the lesser-known spices that we use in many of our bowls and salads, so let’s get to know some of our favourites! What is Sumac? Sumac is a ground […]

In Ontario, the produce growing season is short…but mighty. For a few fleeting months, our pantries are overflowing with candy-sweet tomatoes, jewel-like berries, fresh corn, and all the other goodies our local farms have to offer. But try to eat local in January, and you might get tired of beets and turnips pretty fast. So, […]

Don’t you just love it when you find out something delicious is actually good for you? From creamy avocados to tangy berries, the fruit and vegetable world is filled with nutritious treats. But the most surprising of them all might just be watermelon. Perhaps because of its high water content and super sweet taste, this […]

Growing up, we were all taught about the four basic tastes: sweet, salty, sour and bitter. But in the past few years, a new flavour category has been gaining momentum: umami. Unlike the original four, umami is a little harder to define, and if you don’t have a total grasp on what it means, you’re […]

If you follow health and nutrition at all, chances are you’ve seen the ketogenic diet pop up more than once. Like many other popular diets past such as Atkins and paleo, the keto diet restricts carbs and emphasizes fat and (to a degree) protein. But this isn’t just any low carb diet… keto takes it […]

Many people ask us why we named ourselves Mad Radish. The simple answer is that we are truly mad about these magical little brassicas. What makes them so special? We love the way they look, we love the way they taste – and we love what they do for us nutritionally. If radishes aren’t already […]

Whether cramming for an exam, preparing a presentation at work or just trying to remember what happened last week, we’ve all wished for better memory and focus at one point or another. And while some factors controlling memory are outside your control (curse you, genetics!), a healthy diet and lifestyle can absolutely make a difference. […]

Hear the word “brassica” and you might imagine some prehistoric plant or little-known element. In fact, it refers to a genus of plants in the mustard family, also known as cruciferous vegetables. And this nutrient-rich vegetable family is so common, you’re probably already eating one brassica or another every day. From broccoli and cauliflower, to […]

We get it. Sometimes, reading nutritional advice can be a little bit frustrating. Sure, we’d all be whipping up nutritious meals three times a day if we had the time. But for those of us who work in offices, there’s barely enough time to eat three square meals a day – let alone plan, prep […]

After lots of anticipation and more than a few rumours, Canada’s new food guide was finally released this week. From removing the four food groups to doing away with servings per day, the new version is simpler, cleaner and much easier to understand. Which is a good thing, because it’s packed with common sense nutritional […]

It’s January once again, and that means people are putting away the holiday cookies and thinking hard about healthier eating. Whether that means going all-in on a restrictive diet or just trying to eat something green every day, there’s one area we can probably all agree on: getting more antioxidants is definitely a good thing…right? […]

With low-carb diets currently in vogue, we often see grains get unfairly maligned. Sure, you should definitely watch your intake of refined grains and white flour – but whole grains are a crucial and super-healthy part of any diet. Loaded with fibre, surprisingly high in protein and packed with vitamins, minerals and nutrients, whole grains […]

Sometimes the most intimidating part of a meal can be finding the right wine. Sure, you know white wine goes with chicken and red wine goes with steak…but what if you’re following a vegetarian diet? The fact is, you don’t have to invite meat to the table to serve up some impressive and delicious wine […]

Pumpkins are as much a part of fall as cozy scarves, hot tea and pretty, colourful leaves. But if you just think of this rotund squash as a component of your favourite Thanksgiving dessert, it’s time to think outside the pie. Pumpkin is actually a nutritional powerhouse, and it couldn’t be easier to work into […]

Sometimes, getting sick in the spring feels inevitable. And the sad fact is, there’s no magical way to prevent 100% of germs getting in, 100% of the time. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try! With the right healthy lifestyle choices, you can keep your immune system running at its best and help improve your […]

Nights are getting cooler. The leaves are starting to change colour. And all of a sudden, we’re all craving orange root vegetables. Yep, it’s fall alright. The good news? Those cozy cravings are seriously good for you. And the crown jewel of fall veggies might just be the mighty sweet potato. Not actually a potato, […]

At this point, you probably get it. Nuts are really freakin’ good for you. They’re high in fibre. They’re packed with heart-healthy fats. They’re a source of plant-based protein. They’re a healthy anytime snack. And the list goes on and on… So why are we singling out the walnut? A nut is a nut, right? […]

With the end of summer looming, many people are feeling anxious right now. Maybe you’re about to start a new degree – or maybe you’re nervous about returning to work after a restful August vacation. You might even just be anxious about the long, cold winter ahead. Whatever is stressing you out, we want you […]

Ever feel like the world of nutrition is just plain confusing? One day an ingredient is touted as super-healthy…and the next a report comes out saying it’s the worst thing you can eat. We totally feel you on this, and we are here to help you cut through some of the noise. Since we opened […]

Staying hydrated in the summer is so, so important. Dehydration can lead to headaches, exhaustion and a host of other health issues – and sometimes your body doesn’t tell you it’s feeling thirsty until it’s already too late. And while some of us have no problem powering through 8 glasses of water a day, it […]

If you’re new to the concept, fermented foods might sound a little bit unusual. But they’re actually one of the healthiest things you can eat – and most dietitians recommend you get at least one serving per day. Sure, there are some acquired tastes in the world of fermentation, like pungent kimchi or slimy natto. […]

Maybe it’s because they’re only available for such a short time each year, but in our books, nothing beats a sweet, juicy, perfectly ripe peach. During peach season, we use them everywhere we can, from smoothies to salads. But we don’t love these fuzzy fruits just for their amazing taste – like pretty much all […]

Caffeine. Some of us can’t get out of bed without it. And that feeling of energy and good will it gives you isn’t all in your head. Many studies have found that your morning coffee is packed with antioxidants, and helps reduce inflammation and the risk of everything from type 2 diabetes to cancer. All […]

There’s nothing more fun than planning a summer vacation. Picking a place to stay, researching fun spots to visit, shopping for new trip-ready clothes – it’s something to look forward to all year. But for all your research and planning, there’s one important topic that often gets left out: nutrition. Eating on the go can […]

If you keep an eye on health and wellness blogs, websites and magazines, it’s pretty hard to miss: skincare is having a major moment right now. And while we agree it’s super important to cleanse, moisturize and wear SPF, a lot of people are missing out on one of the biggest factors in keeping your […]

What’s the best way to eat more veggies? Plan ahead. Some days, just going to the store feels like too much effort – let alone washing and cutting a pile of veggies…then figuring out what to do with them. But with a little foresight, you can have all the fixings for a super-healthy side salad […]

We are proud to partner with Community Food Centres Canada, an amazing organization doing important work by providing access to good food and dignified spaces in low-income communities across Canada. CFCC also works to shed light on health and nutrition issues facing many Canadians today. One of the most surprising? Food insecurity. Believe it or […]

We all know it’s important to get enough sleep. But sometimes it feels like there aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done and still manage 7-9 hours of shut-eye. So, how important is it really? It turns out…it’s one of the best things you can do for your health and wellbeing. Not […]

It’s no secret that there are amazing health benefits to be gained from a balanced vegan or vegetarian diet. From lowering your risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes to helping maintain a healthy body weight, a plant-based diet is one of the healthiest choices you can make. It’s also an incredibly healthy choice for […]

In the world of nutrition, there’s a rule of thumb for judging fruits and veggies: the darker the colour, the more nutritious it is. Dark leafy greens and jewel-toned berries get high marks… iceberg lettuce, not so much. So what does that mean for cauliflower? No colour, low nutrients, right? Wrong. This pale-fleshed cruciferous veggie […]

Inflammation is not necessarily bad in itself – it’s actually your body’s self-defense against injury and disease.  Whether it’s healing a wound or staving off a disease, your immune system kick-starts inflammation to protect and heal. That said, sometimes inflammation can persist when there is no threat present – and this kind of chronic inflammation […]

Making smoothies at home always sounds like a great idea, but all too often, the results are less than ideal. You might end up with chunks of un-crushed ice, or you find yourself opening the blender every 5 seconds to try and dislodge a stuck handful of greens. Then, after all that hard work, you’ll […]

This week, we want to talk about a subject near to our hearts: reducing waste. The fact is, when you’re selling quick-service food, it’s a topic that’s hard to avoid. Those one-use bowls, cups and forks can add up fast. Before we even opened our first restaurant, we knew we wanted to take a stand […]

Let’s talk about sodium. Many of us have a general idea that we should be watching how much we eat, but do you really know what it is – and how much is too much? The scary fact is, most Canadians are eating more than double the amount we need, every single day. So, what […]

Granola for breakfast. A sweet mid-morning latte. A 3 pm pick-me-up… Some days, your sugar intake can spike above recommended levels without even realizing it. And while we all love a sweet treat every once in a while, this is one area of your diet it’s best to keep track of. Eating too much sugar […]

  Whether you’re fully plant-based or just trying to eat more meatless meals, chances are you’ve discovered one thing. Tell someone you’re eating vegan, and they probably have an opinion about it. And, more often than not, that opinion is misinformed, exaggerated or just plain wrong. So, what’s true? Is veganism the healthiest diet of […]

Imagine a food that tastes indulgent, is super healthy…and looks amazing on Instagram. Yep, avocados pretty much have it all. And while you probably know they’re not exactly junk food, you might be surprised to find out just how crazy healthy these little green wonders are. In fact, if there’s one food you should be […]

Carbs…what happened? In the last few years, carbohydrates have become seriously maligned – just like fat in the 90s, and calories a little after that. And just like with those topics, the truth is a little more complicated than some would have you believe. On the one hand, carbohydrates are critical to keep your body and mind […]

We all know late-night eating is not the healthiest choice, but sometimes, hunger strikes anyways. Whether you’re up late for a study session or an after dinner movie, chances are you’ll find yourself craving a midnight snack every once in a while. In today’s post, we investigate just how healthy (or unhealthy) late night snacking […]

If you’ve read anything about nutrition, you already know salad is one of the healthiest meals you can eat. When it comes to fibre, vitamins and minerals, raw veggies simply can’t be beat. But believe it or not, the nutritional content in your bowl can vary pretty widely depending on which greens you choose. If […]

What is stress? We all know the feeling: increased heart rate, nervous sweating, heavier breathing…feeling stressed is just as physical as it is psychological. And a couple thousand years ago, stress was a much-needed primal response to real dangers in our environment: our nervous system preparing our body for a “fight for flight” reaction. These […]

After this many months of snow and ice, it’s hard to believe any fresh produce could be in season. But believe it or not, there are still some seriously amazing – and delicious – winter crops to enjoy. We get fantastic local produce in Ontario year-round, and even when the ground is frosted over, there […]

Remember a couple decades ago, when everyone thought fat was the enemy…whether they were trying to lose weight or not? As with so many other dietary fads (counting calories, anyone?), the truth is a little bit more complicated. And even some recent studies can be misleading. Fat’s What I’m Talkin’ About First things first. What […]

We all know breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but let’s face it… most mornings, we just don’t have the time to lovingly construct an Instagram-ready smoothie bowl, let alone a piece of toast. Many Canadians are lucky if they remember to grab a granola bar on their way out the door […]

We are here with a mission: to liberate the humble cranberry from Christmas and Thanksgiving – and make it the everyday fruit it so deserves to be. Why do we care whether people eat cranberries? Because we love them. We love their pleasantly sour taste – the perfect complement to sweet OR savoury dishes – […]

Are your kids getting the fruits and veggies they need? According to recent studies, it’s pretty unlikely. Despite the heroic efforts of parents everywhere, just 5.4% of children got their recommended dose of fruits and veggies in 2015. It’s a big problem – and not just because of food waste. Getting enough fruits and veggies […]

Whether it’s supplements, vitamins or protein shakes, you have to admit the concept is attractive: just take this pill or drink this powder, and you’ll be healthy. It’s not crazy to think that multivitamins are a necessary part of any healthy lifestyle. After all, we need vitamins and minerals – and who has time to […]

Every year, it’s the same. We say we’ll be moderate during the holiday season…but we just can’t resist that extra helping of mashed potatoes. Or the tin of fresh-baked cookies. Or the champagne toast ad midnight. Or…well, you get the idea. By the time the new year rolls around, most of us are likely feeling […]

A big bowl of punch is the perfect centrepiece to any holiday party. Not only is it fun, festive and delicious…it also frees you up from hand-mixing individual cocktails every time someone empties their glass. Never brewed up a big batch of punch before? You won’t believe how easy it is. It all comes down […]

Hosting friends and family is one of the most exciting parts of the holiday season. But planning your event doesn’t have to end with the food and drink… a beautiful, creative table setting will make your night that much more memorable (and Instagrammable!). And handcrafting your decorations is the perfect way to while away a […]

Want to add a new ingredient to your winter cooking repertoire? Enter the Jerusalem artichoke. Now, first things first: the name. These delicious little tubers don’t come from Jerusalem, and they aren’t related to artichokes. The name “Jerusalem” actually derives from girasole, the Italian word for sunflower. And “artichoke” just comes from their deliciously nutty […]

We are so proud to partner with Community Food Centres Canada, a national non-profit that works to improve the health and well-being of low-income Canadians through the power of food. We donate one serving of fresh produce to CFCC every time someone orders online or through our app – so you can give back just […]

Let’s face it., There’s nothing sexy about fibre. And we think that’s a major oversight. We all know to watch our calories  and protein intake…but somehow, humble fibre just falls under the radar. Isn’t that just for old people? No way. According to Health Canada, women need 25 grams of fibre per day, and men […]

It’s crunchy. It’s tasty…and it’s one of the few fresh veggies in season all winter long. There are so many reasons to love fennel. But with its unusual appearance and subtle licorice-y flavour, it’s no wonder many home cooks find fennel intimidating. Luckily, we’re here to make some introductions. And hopefully before long, you’ll be […]

Don’t get us wrong. Pretty much everyone here loves starting their day with a cup of tea or coffee. And we aren’t about to give that up anytime soon. But as for the mid-morning coffee, the lunchtime coffee, the mid-afternoon coffee (and the list goes on) …we’ve found that it’s actually possible to make it […]

Cold weather and comfort food are a match made in heaven. Once the temperature dips, it’s hard not to start dreaming of creamy sauces, comforting carbs and bronzed, cheesy toppings. But after giving in to these cravings, chances are you aren’t feeling your best – eating a meal with no veggie in sight is likely […]

Whether you’re already following a vegan diet or thinking about making the switch, chances are you’ve got one nutritional value on your mind: protein. Many people can’t imagine getting their recommended dose without incorporating animal products. But it really couldn’t be easier to get your protein from plant-based sources. From legumes and grains to some […]

Whether you’re trying to warm up on a chilly day or combat a tickle in your throat, ginger is a cold-weather powerhouse. But does ginger really have superpowers…or is it just some old school kitchen folklore? Turns out, this spicy little root isn’t just delicious – study after study show that it’s packed with health […]

It’s the same every year. As soon as the temperature drops, we find ourselves craving rich, filling foods – and a lot of them. No one can dispute this happens to just about everyone. In fact, a 1991 study at the University of Georgia found that subjects consumed about 200 extra calories per day as […]

Recipe: Vegan Mushroom Gravy What’s the best part of Thanksgiving dinner? If you’re human and love food, chances are you just yelled GRAVY! Of course, it’s not exactly health food…but when it comes down it, gravy is the dish we’re often the most thankful for every turkey day. Hey, it’s just once a year…and as […]

Let’s face it. You can’t have Thanksgiving without a big, hearty meal. But all too often, it ends up with the dinner guests in food comas, and filled with regret over their second helpings. We’re here to tell you that you can still eat a nutritious, balanced plate at Thanksgiving…without missing out on your favourite […]

When it comes to eating fresh, local produce, September is a bit of a head-scratcher. Is it still summer? Or is it time to trade in our berries and greens for squash and root vegetables? In a way, they’re both true. In Ontario, you can still get some amazing summer produce through September…but local fall […]

It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that sweets and candies aren’t exactly health food. But what about fruit – isn’t that high in sugar too? To hear some people tell it, a banana is no better than a chocolate bar. But the truth is a bit more complicated. The fact is, sugar is […]

For many home cooks, salads are just an afterthought, not the star of the show. And all too often, they are less than exciting – a sad bowl of greens you have to suffer through so you can get to the stuff you really want. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Enter…the Power […]

Whether you’re a student living alone for the first time or a professional trying to cook at home more, eating healthy at home can be daunting. We’ve all been there: you spend hours picking out recipes and grocery shopping…only to discover your home-cooked meal was more expensive (and exhausting) than eating out. But we’re here […]

Ever get mysterious headaches, or feel exhausted for no reason? Who doesn’t, right? Believe it or not, these are common symptoms of dehydration. Feel hungry, but you know you just ate? More likely than not, that’s your body asking for more water, too. If you’re waiting until you’re thirsty, chances are you aren’t getting all […]

Sometimes maintaining a healthy lifestyle can feel like an obstacle course. Every day, we see new studies with specific recommendations about every aspect of our lives, from what we eat for breakfast to how much sleep we’re getting. So we get that this topic might seem daunting. You eat well, you exercise regularly…and now you […]

We think nutritional yeast is in serious need of a rebrand. For those unfamiliar with this savoury, nutrition-packed powder, the name is less than appetizing. And let’s be honest…it’s not about to win any beauty contests either. But this unassuming ingredient absolutely deserves a spot in everyone’s pantry. Affectionally known as “nooch” in many vegan […]

Eating right. It should be simple, and yet it can be beyond confusing. From dark chocolate to coffee to kale, there are conflicting reports about the benefits of just about everything. But we’re here to help, offering sensible advice and easy-to-follow answers for all your most urgent questions about food and nutrition. Up this month? […]

An interview with artist Melissa del Pinto If you’ve walked by our Glebe store, chances are you’ve noticed our fabulous radish mural. We were so excited when we realized the exterior wall of this store was basically a blank canvas. Ottawa’s Glebe neighbourhood is vibrant, colourful and cool – and this was an amazing chance […]

Why not all calories are created equal Admit it. When you read a nutritional table, it’s probably the first thing you look at. But calories aren’t the only number that counts. The fact is, not all calories are created equal – it all depends on where they come from. A 500-calorie chocolate bar feels worlds […]

Hi. We’re Mad Radish. At this point, you’ve got to be at least a little bit curious… What is this radish all about, and why is it so mad? In a nutshell: Mad Radish is a brand-new restaurant concept serving up seriously mind blowing salads. What sets us apart from the other guys? For starters, our menu […]