Turnips

Turnips, a versatile and nutritious vegetable, have been a staple ingredient in many culinary traditions for centuries. From their crisp texture to their slightly sweet and peppery flavor, turnips can be used in a variety of ways in the kitchen. Whether roasted, boiled, mashed, or added to soups, stews, and stir-fries, turnips offer a unique and delicious twist to your recipes. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the many facets of turnips, including their nutritional benefits, culinary versatility, cooking tips, and storage instructions.

Turnips, scientifically known as Brassica rapa, belong to the cruciferous vegetable family, which also includes cabbage, broccoli, and kale. They are root vegetables with a round or bulbous shape, and they come in different colors, ranging from white to yellow to purple. Turnips are known for their distinct flavor profile, which is a combination of sweet and peppery notes, making them a popular ingredient in various cuisines around the world.

Health Benefits of Turnips

• High in nutrients: Turnips are a good source of nutrients such as vitamin C, fiber, potassium, and folate, among others.
• Low in calories: Turnips are low in calories, making them a great addition to a weight loss or weight management diet.
• May help with digestion: The fiber in turnips can help promote regularity and prevent constipation.
• May improve heart health: Turnips are high in potassium, which can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.
• May reduce inflammation: Turnips contain glucosinolates, which may have anti-inflammatory properties and help reduce the risk of chronic diseases like cancer.
• May support healthy bones: Turnips are a good source of calcium and potassium, which are important minerals for bone health.
• May boost immune function: Turnips contain vitamin C, which can help boost immune function and protect against infections.

International Dishes that Use Turnips

Rutabaga Mash (Sweden): Rutabaga, also known as swede or yellow turnip, is a popular ingredient in Swedish cuisine. Rutabaga mash is a traditional dish where rutabagas are boiled, mashed, and seasoned with butter, salt, and pepper to create a creamy and flavorful side dish that pairs well with meatballs, sausages, or gravlax.

Miso Soup with Turnips (Japan): In Japanese cuisine, turnips are often used in miso soup, a traditional soup made with fermented soybean paste. Turnips are sliced and added to the soup along with other ingredients such as tofu, seaweed, and green onions, to create a comforting and nutritious soup with an umami-rich flavor.

Colcannon (Ireland): Colcannon is a classic Irish dish made with mashed potatoes, kale or cabbage, and turnips. Turnips are boiled and mashed with potatoes and kale or cabbage, then seasoned with butter, salt, and pepper to create a hearty and delicious side dish that is often served with corned beef or ham.

Roasted Vegetables with Turnips (France): In French cuisine, turnips are often used in roasted vegetable medleys. Turnips are peeled, cut into chunks, and roasted with other vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, and onions, in herbs and olive oil, creating a flavorful and aromatic side dish that pairs well with roasted meats or poultry.

Turnip Cake (China): Turnip cake, also known as radish cake or lo bak go, is a popular Chinese dish often served during Lunar New Year festivities. Grated turnips are mixed with rice flour, water, and seasonings, then steamed and pan-fried to create a savory and crispy cake-like dish that is often sliced and served as a dim sum or snack.

Lanttulaatikko (Finland): Lanttulaatikko is a Finnish dish made with turnips, rice, and spices. Turnips are boiled, mashed, and mixed with rice, then seasoned with cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, and baked in the oven until golden and crispy on top. It is a traditional dish often served during Christmas celebrations in Finland.

Turnip Cake

Cooking Tips:

• Choose fresh turnips: Look for turnips that are firm, smooth, and heavy for their size, with fresh, green leaves if available. Avoid turnips with soft spots, bruises, or signs of decay.
• Store turnips properly: Cut off the greens from the turnip bulb and store them separately in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. The bulbs can be stored in a cool, dark place like a root cellar or the refrigerator crisper drawer for up to two weeks.
• Prepare turnips properly: Wash turnips thoroughly under cold water to remove dirt and debris. You can peel turnips if desired, although the skin is edibleand adds a slightly bitter flavor. If the turnip skin is tough or waxed, it is recommended to peel it before cooking.
• Experiment with cooking methods: Turnips can be cooked in various ways to bring out their unique flavor and texture. They can be roasted, boiled, mashed, sautéed, stir-fried, or even eaten raw in salads. Try different cooking methods to find your favorite way of enjoying turnips.
• Pair turnips with other flavors: Turnips have a slightly sweet and peppery flavor that pairs well with other ingredients. They can be combined with other root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or parsnips, as well as with meats, poultry, or fish to create delicious and comforting dishes. Turnips also work well with spices like thyme, rosemary, and garlic, adding depth and complexity to your recipes.

Nutrition Facts (per 100g):

Calories: 28 kcal

Carbohydrates: 6.4 g

Fiber: 1.8 g

Protein: 0.9 g

Fat: 0.1 g

Vitamin C: 21 mg (35% DV)

Vitamin K: 0.3 mcg (0.4% DV)

Vitamin B6: 0.1 mg (5% DV)

Folate: 19 mcg (5% DV)

Potassium: 233 mg (7% DV)

Magnesium: 9 mg (2% DV)

Calcium: 30 mg (3% DV)

Storage Instructions:

• Cut off the greens: Remove the greens from the turnip bulb, as they can draw moisture from the bulb and cause it to spoil faster.
• Store in the refrigerator: Place the turnip bulbs in a plastic bag in the refrigerator crisper drawer or a root cellar. For up to two weeks, they can be kept in storage.
• Keep away from ethylene-producing fruits: Turnips are sensitive to ethylene gas, which is released by certain fruits like apples, bananas, and avocados, and can cause them to spoil faster. Keep turnips away from these fruits in the refrigerator to extend their shelf life.

Incorporating turnips into your culinary repertoire can add a burst of flavor and nutrition to your meals. From their crisp texture to their unique flavor profile, turnips offer endless possibilities in the kitchen. They are not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients that promote health and well-being. So why not give turnips a try in your next recipe? Experiment with different cooking methods, pair them with other ingredients and enjoy the versatility and nutritional benefits of this humble yet flavorful vegetable.

In conclusion, turnips are a versatile and nutritious ingredient that can elevate your cooking to new heights. Whether you use them in traditional dishes from around the world or experiment with your own recipes, turnips offer a delightful flavor and unique texture that can enhance your culinary creations. So, embrace the culinary potential of turnips and make them a regular addition to your kitchen. Happy cooking!