
Turnip
Turnips are a root vegetable with a slightly sweet and peppery flavor profile, intensifying as they mature. Young turnips are tender and mild, suitable for eating raw, while mature turnips develop a more robust, earthy taste. They have a round or oblong shape, typically white or purple-tinged on the top part that grows above ground, and creamy white below. When cooked, the flesh becomes tender and slightly sweet, making them a versatile ingredient for adding depth and nutrients to various dishes. Looking for low-calorie, high-fiber options? Turnips are a great choice for healthy eating and adding complexity to your meals. Find creative turnip recipes and cooking tips to unlock their full potential.
Common Uses
- Mashed turnips as a potato substitute: Turnips can be mashed alone or combined with potatoes for a lower-carbohydrate alternative to traditional mashed potatoes, offering a subtly sweet and peppery flavor.
- Roasted turnips with herbs and olive oil: Roasting turnips with olive oil, herbs like thyme or rosemary, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper brings out their natural sweetness and creates a delicious side dish.
- Turnips in soups and stews for added depth: Diced turnips add a subtle earthy sweetness and thicken soups and stews, complementing other root vegetables like carrots and parsnips in hearty winter dishes.
- Raw turnips in salads or slaws for a crisp bite: Young, tender turnips can be thinly sliced or grated and added to salads or slaws for a refreshing crunch and a slightly peppery flavor.
- Pickled turnips for a tangy condiment: Pickled turnips are a Middle Eastern delicacy that adds a vibrant pink color and tangy, slightly spicy flavor to sandwiches, salads, or mezze platters.
- Turnip greens sauteed as a nutritious side dish: The leafy green tops of turnips, known as turnip greens, can be sauteed with garlic and olive oil for a nutritious and slightly bitter side dish, similar to mustard greens or collard greens.
Nutrition (per serving)
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
28.0kcal (1.4%)
Protein
0.9g (1.8%)
Carbs
6.4g (2.33%)
Sugars
3.9g (7.8%)
Healthy Fat
0.0g
Unhealthy Fat
0.0g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
28.0kcal (1.4%)
Protein
0.9g (1.8%)
Carbs
6.4g (2.33%)
Sugars
3.9g (7.8%)
Healthy Fat
0.0g
Unhealthy Fat
0.0g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
Health Benefits
- Rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports immune function and skin health.
- Good source of dietary fiber, promoting healthy digestion and regularity.
- Contains glucosinolates, which may have anti-cancer properties.
- Low in calories, making it a good choice for weight management.
- Provides potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure.
- Offers a source of calcium, important for bone health.
Storage Tips
Turnips are best stored in the refrigerator. Remove the greens before storing, as they will draw moisture from the root. Store the greens separately in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to a few days. Unwashed turnips can be stored in a plastic bag in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks. For longer storage, turnips can be frozen after blanching.
Marnirni-apinthi Building, Lot Fourteen,
North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000
Australia