Turnip

What Is Turnip?

Turnip (Brassica rapa subsp. rapa) is a root vegetable in the brassica family, with white flesh and usually purple-white skin. It grows in cool climates and is harvested in winter.

It has a mildly bitter, sharp flavor that softens as it cooks. In Türkiye, it is known both as a vegetable and as the main ingredient in fermented turnip juice.

Turnip Nutrition Facts

Turnip is a low-calorie root vegetable; 100 g contains about 28 kcal of energy. It is notable for its vitamin C and fiber content and also provides calcium and potassium.

What Are the Benefits of Turnip?

With its vitamin C and fiber, turnip is among the root vegetables considered part of a balanced diet. Fermented turnip juice is traditionally consumed as a drink that aids digestion.

This is general information; turnip is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment. People taking thyroid medication are advised to consult a qualified professional about eating brassicas.

How to Choose Turnips

Fresh turnips feel firm and heavy for their size, with smooth skin; avoid roots that are soft or wrinkled.

• The root should be firm and smooth; cracks or soft spots are signs of age.
• Small to medium turnips are generally crisper and less fibrous.
• If the leaves are attached, they should be bright green.

How to Store Turnips

Turnips with the leaves removed can be stored for 2–3 weeks in the refrigerator in a perforated bag. They keep for a similar time in a cool, dark pantry; wrapping them in newspaper can help prevent moisture loss.

How to Use Turnips in Cooking

Turnips can be boiled for stews, roasted in the oven as a side dish, or thinly sliced for pickling. Their mildly bitter flavor softens and becomes slightly sweet as they cook.

How to Make Turnip Pickles

Put thinly sliced turnips in salt water with red beets and citric acid and leave them to ferment for a few weeks; these pickles are a well-known Turkish food.

What Is Fermented Turnip Juice?

Fermented turnip juice is a sour, mildly spicy drink made by fermenting black carrots and turnips with salt; it is especially popular with kebabs in and around Adana.

What Recipes Use Turnips?

Turnip stew, oven-roasted turnips, turnip pickles, and fermented turnip juice are among the best-known uses. Boiled turnip can also be added to meat dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is turnip good for?

Turnip is a root vegetable notable for its vitamin C, fiber, and calcium, and is eaten as part of a balanced diet. It is food and is not claimed to cure any disease.

Are turnip and fermented turnip juice the same thing?

No. Turnip is the root vegetable itself, eaten cooked, while fermented turnip juice is a separate drink made by fermenting turnips with black carrots.

Can you eat turnip raw?

Young turnips, thinly sliced, can be eaten raw in salads, but because of their sharp flavor they are more often cooked or pickled.

How can you reduce turnip’s bitter flavor?

Changing the boiling water once or extending the cooking time noticeably softens turnip’s sharp, mildly bitter flavor.

Can turnip leaves be used?

Yes, young turnip leaves can be sautéed like Swiss chard or spinach; they cook faster than the root.