Turnip Food Lore

What are Turnips?

Often planted in June, turnips are a vegetables found in soil and are usually grown in temperate climates.  The smaller, tenderer roots of turnips are able to be eaten by humans, but larger, tougher turnips can be used for livestock feeding.  They are really good for your digestive system and are high in Vitamin C.  They have a great crunch to them and are filled with flavor.  Add turnips to meals or eat them by themselves!

Turnip Food Lore

 A common food staple, the turnip made its first literary appearance in the late 7^th century B.C. Greek poetess Sappho called a paramour Gongýla  (turnip).  During the Roman times, this root vegetable that usually grows in temperate climates wasn’t only a food item. The Romans also used them to express displeasure. Considered “poor people food” they were thrown at unpopular people as well as poorly executed events (plays, etc.).

Packed with Vitamin C and able to be stored for long periods of time before going bad, they were also served to livestock.

Fun Turnip Food Facts: 

• In Nordic countries, turnip was the staple crop before its replacement with potato in the 18th century.
• In Middle Eastern countries such as Lebanon, turnips are pickled.
• Japan’s pickled turnips are sometimes stir fried with salt/soysauce.

Interesting Turnip Recipes

Turnip Salad: If you don’t want to cook your turnips, try this recipe for a healthy, flavorful meal. 

Marinated Turnips: This recipe is simple and although doesn’t require a lot of work, it contains a great amount of flavor! 

Scalloped Turnips: A fun and delicious combination of turnips.  If you are a little one the fence on how you feel about turnips, start with this recipe.