rapa) is a root vegetable commonly grown in temperate climates worldwide for its white, fleshy taproot. The word turnip is a compound of turn as in turned/rounded on a lathe and neep, derived from Latin napus, the word for the plant….

There are many different types of specialized roots, but two of the more familiar types of roots include aerial roots and storage roots. Aerial roots grow above the ground, typically providing structural support. Storage roots (for example, taproots and tuberous roots) are modified for food storage.

Brassica rapa subsp. rapa

Key Differences (Taproot vs Fibrous Root)

It is true root vegetables are considered taproots, which are loosely defined as roots that grow downward into the ground. Taproots can be subdivided into tuberous roots like sweet potatoes, yams and fleshy roots like carrots and beets. The taproot is considered the main root of a primary-root system.

The turnip (Brassica rapa) is a vegetable with a bulbous taproot.

Baked, Boiled or Steamed. Use turnips any way you would use a potato, and then some. Try them baked or boiled in stews, soups and stir-fries, or lightly steamed with some butter, salt or lemon juice for flavor.

root vegetable

Raw or cooked, turnips are incredibly versatile: Boil or steam turnips and add them to mashed potatoes for extra vitamins and minerals. Grate them raw into salads or slaws. Roast them with other root vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes, and bring out their natural sweetness.

The roots commonly appear white and purple, but may also have green or red coloring, with a white inner flesh. Turnips contain a number of beneficial nutrients and can be eaten raw in some cases, though mature turnips should be cooked before eating to improve their flavor.

Turnips’ mild flavor lends well to simply washing, cutting and eating them raw, as in a salad; however, most people choose to cook them. One of my favorite ways to enjoy turnip bulbs is to cook until tender and mash (like potatoes).

However, they can instigate causing gas and bloating. Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, kale, and turnips contain a non-digestible carbohydrate (trisaccharide) called raffinose. The way to avoid belly bloat and still be able to enjoy cruciferous veggies is to let your digestive system adjust over time.

Vegetables high in fiber tend to help regulate bowel movements, rather than cause distress like constipation or diarrhea. There’s no evidence that turnips cause constipation or diarrhea, and they might actually help!

Whereas cooked leafy and cruciferous vegetables such as kale, brussel sprouts, broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower take approximately 40-50 minutes to digest. Root vegetables like turnips, beetroot, sweet potatoes, radishes and carrot digest in an hour.

Like all vegetables, turnips are very low in saturated fat and cholesterol. They are a good source of vitamin B6, folate, calcium, potassium, and copper. A very good source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, and manganese. The turnip greens are a super food and packed with nutrients.

Antinoro says that most other root vegetables like carrots, beets, turnips, parsnips, and rutabagas have a lower starch content and caloric density than potatoes and sweet potatoes, and can be counted as vegetables rather than starches in your meals.

Turnips Turnips are kidney-friendly and make an excellent replacement for vegetables that are higher in potassium like potatoes and winter squash. These root vegetables are loaded with fiber and vitamin C. They are also a decent source of vitamin B6 and manganese.

Once turnips are harvested, immediately twist or cut off the tips to keep them from pulling moisture from the roots. Rinse the greens in cool water, shake off excess moisture and store for up to four or five days in plastic food storage bags in the refrigerator. Small roots can be refrigerated for two or three weeks.

4 to 5 months

Turnips are a root vegetable that is common in the cold months as that is when they are at their prime. Luckily, turnips freeze well and can be frozen a few different ways: diced and blanched, cooked and mashed, or roasted. Whether you have a few turnips or dozens, the freezer is an excellent way to preserve them.

Even though the turnips will rot over time, nothing bad will happen to them if you decide to bury them. If you aren’t worried about friends or other players stealing them, you can store the turnips outside. The most effective way to do this and save space is to bury them in the ground.