Turnips are not the trendiest of vegetables.It’s not surprising that turnips are often avoided in grocery stores.It’s difficult to believe that this vegetable is not very popular. Or are we actually too harsh on a wonderful vegetable that has a lot of health benefits? Read on if you are interested.
Turnips are a healthy and fast-growing crop, which is often substituted for potatoes in Nordic cuisine.Before pumpkin lanterns, turnips were traditionally carved in the U.K on Halloween.
Many people don’t like turnips for some reason or the other.
This notion, however, is not based on facts.Turnips aren’t bitter or earthy like other root vegetables, and you will be surprised at how great they can make a meal.
What does it taste like to eat turnips?Young turnips are mild with a subtle sweetness and a slight hint of spice.They become a little more woody as they age but many people love the rich flavor of a roasted or baked recipe.
This article will discuss the taste of turnips and compare them to other common vegetables you may be familiar with.
We will also share some tips on how to prepare turnips so you get the most out of this underrated root vegetable.
What does a Turnip taste like?
Turnips are a very interesting root vegetable in that each person will have a different taste.
Turnips are most commonly described as having a slight bite. This is normal because they belong to the same family as mustard greens or radishes.
The peppery flavor is mixed with cabbage’s flavor, which is not surprising since turnips are cruciferous veggies with lots of sulfur-based compounds.
Others find turnips more like a mix of a potato or a carrot.Others find turnips to have a more plain, semi-sweet taste with a little bit of starch and crunch.
The taste of the turnip will be affected by the way you eat it.As they age, turnips tend to become more bitter and spicy so a tender and young turnip will taste milder.
What does Turnip Greens taste like?
Young turnips’ leaves are mild, fresh and just a touch sweet.
Although they taste similar to young turnips, the flavor is more concentrated.They become bitterer with age, so many people find them spicier.
They can be eaten raw or chopped into a green salad.
They lose much of the bitterness when they are cooked.If you have older leaves, sautee them in olive oil and minced garlic with a bit of fresh ground sea salt.
Turnips Vs Potatoes
Turnips are a great way to get more vegetables in your family’s favourite foods.
The white root vegetable blends seamlessly with your potatoes, and the flavors mix nicely. This gives the resulting mash an even sweeter flavor but not surprising.
But, do turnips taste like potatoes?Most people would disagree.
You will notice a marked difference in flavor if you try these two vegetables side-by side.Despite the similar texture, potatoes are more starchy than turnips.
Turnips are sweeter than potatoes and have a spicy undertone. However, most of the spice is lost when cooked. Instead, turnips retain a simple, sweet flavor with hints of potato.
Both can be substituted in recipes as they cook almost the same.They are not the same vegetable but they will have a different flavor so your meals will taste slightly different.
Rutabagas vs Turnips
Brassica is the same family that includes turnips and rutabagas. They have a similar flavor as cruciferous root veggies.
Rutabagas are actually a hybrid of turnip and cabbage.Rutabagas can be called Swedish turnips in many parts of the globe, or simply Swedes.
To avoid bitter, woody flavor, turnips should be harvested as soon as possible.Rutabagas are allowed to grow longer, so when they’re harvested, they tend to be quite large.
Sweeter vegetables are usually younger, such as turnips. However, rutabagas, as a vegetable, are naturally sweeter that turnips, even when they’re young.
Radishes vs Turnips
Both turnips and radishes belong to the Brassica family. They have a similar peppery note, but it’s more prominent in a standard red-radish.
However, a daikon radish is milder and more similar to turnips in terms of taste, even though their texture can be quite different.
A turnip is actually a large, overgrown white potato.One thing that turnips and radishes share is that their greens get ignored or discarded despite the fact they are delicious and nutritious.
Radish greens are a little more hot than turnip greens, but they taste just like their roots.
Raw Turnips: Can You Eat Them?
Raw turnips can be added to salads, shredded and made into a slaw or thinly sliced for extra crunch in sandwiches, burgers, wraps, etc.
Young turnips are best if you plan to eat them raw.You want bulbs that are small in size, heavy and have smooth skin.
What makes a good substitute for turnip?
Rutabaga is the best turnip substitute in terms of flavor.Both are very similar, but rutabaga is slightly sweeter.Texture and consistency are almost identical.
You can substitute turnips if you don’t like the taste but still want to make a dish that calls for them.
You can add cabbage and radish to a raw dish or cabbage and mustard greens to a dish.
You’ll still get the sweet, slightly sulfurous flavor of the cabbage, along with the peppery heat that comes from the mustard greens or the radish.
Radishes can be cooked, but they lose heat when exposed to heat.
How to cook turnips
Turnips can be used in so many different ways that it is almost impossible to make them wrong.
Peeling turnips is an important step.Young roots can be easily shaved, but if you have an older root, a Y peeler is best, unless you are quick and handy with your vegetable knife.
Turnips can be boiled or roasted most often.
You can steam or boil turnips and serve them as a side or dessert.For a sweet, creamy alternative to mashed potatoes, you can also mash them.
Roasting vegetables is a good option. To get the best flavor, drizzle olive oil on them and then add some fresh or dried herbs. This will give the vegetable a buttery texture and crisp outside edges.
When roasted turnips are paired with carrots, beets and potatoes, they taste great.
How to make turnips taste good
You can make turnips more appealing if they aren’t your favorite or you have turnips that are bitter.
These ingredients will help to cut through bitter tastes and give your vegetable a creamy, rich taste.You can roast garlic and add it to your butter or cream.
Fresh herbs that are sweet and floral will also make turnips taste delicious.Roast your turnips with rosemary, dill or basil.
What does a turnip look like?
Different varieties of turnip have slightly different colors, but the majority of turnips have white bulbs that tend to be purple near the root. This is where the leaves begin to grow.The tops of turnips are standard leafy greens.
Because of their purple and white colorings, turnips and rutabagas can be confused. They are still distinct vegetables.
Can you eat turnip skin?
The skin of a turnip is safe to eat, but it’s not recommended.It’s not difficult to peel them with a standard vegetable peeler. However, the skin is bitter and lingers in your mouth, making it unfavorable.
If you have a young, freshly picked garden turnip, it is likely that the skin will be thin and not bitter. This would make it an ideal way to try it if you are curious.
Can dogs eat turnips?
Turnips are safe for dogs and considered a delicacy by canines.Turnips are a popular choice for dogs as they provide healthy and low-calorie treats your dog will love.
They can be served to your dog along with their food as long as they’re plainly baked or cooked.
Seasoning is not necessary for dogs to eat their food.As chewy treats, you can give your dog small pieces of raw or dehydrated turnip.
Start slowly and give your dog time to adjust to the new foods.A vet is a good idea to consult whenever you introduce “people” food to your dog.
Wrapping up
You’ve read a lot about the nutritious root and how to cook it. Now, you would definitely like to try it out for yourself.Although not everyone likes the taste of turnip you might be able to enjoy it enough to include it in your daily diet.This would be a great thing for your health, and overall well-being. Anyway, at least, I believe, now you would be able to answer the question that prompted me to write this post, “how do turnips taste like”? Taste it and see for yourself!
