Yutaka Takuan – Salted Radish Strips No Colour 650g

My Experience

At around £3 for a 650g bag, this is a modern, mass-produced takuan from China that's firmly in the value category. It isn't trying to be a traditional product, a fact made obvious by its use of sweeteners.

The taste is heavily geared towards salt and a strong sweetness. While the essential umami and unique daikon funk are present enough to make it undeniably takuan, they are secondary to the main sweet-salty profile. One of its best qualities is the texture, which is consistently firm with a clean, satisfying crunch.

If you go in expecting an affordable and functional pickle, it delivers. I personally find it too salty and sweet, but it is otherwise moreish. It's a solid product for what it costs.