Description
Experience the hearty flavour and versatile use of our turnips, perfect for roasting, mashing, adding to soups, stews, or casseroles, ensuring a delicious addition to any meal. Available in our Local Farm Shop in Bellaghy, Mid Ulster Area.
Turnips are a fascinating blend of humble roots and culinary versatility. Here’s a crisp breakdown of what makes them special:
🥬 Botanical Profile
- Scientific name: Brassica rapa subsp. rapa
- Family: Mustard family (Brassicaceae), alongside cabbage, broccoli, and radishes
- Type: Biennial plant, typically grown as an annual for its edible root and greens
🌱 Physical Characteristics
- Root: Round or slightly elongated with white flesh; the top portion exposed to sunlight often turns purple, red, or greenish
- Size: Typically 5–20 cm in diameter; harvested when smaller for better flavor
- Leaves: Known as turnip greens, they resemble mustard greens and are edible
🌍 Origins & Cultivation
- Native to: Middle and eastern Asia
- Grown in: Temperate zones worldwide
- Growing season: Cool-season crop; planted in spring or late summer depending on climate
- Harvest time: 30–60 days after planting
🍽️ Culinary Uses
- Roots: Can be roasted, mashed, boiled, or added to soups and stews
- Greens: Sautéed, steamed, or used in salads
- Flavor: Mildly peppery when raw, sweetens when cooked
💪 Nutrition Highlights (per 100g cooked root)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~22 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | ~5.1 g |
| Fiber | ~2.0 g |
| Vitamin C | ~14% DV |
| Water content | ~94% |
🧠 Fun Fact
Before pumpkins took over Halloween, the Irish carved turnips into lanterns!
