Put a Twist on Tradition With Mashed Turnips (2024)

FAQs

Are mashed turnips healthier than mashed potatoes? ›

Mashed turnips are a lovely and healthy alternative to mashed potatoes. They look very similar, they cook very similarly, yet they fall on the green tier in 90/10 Nutrition, where mashed potatoes would be on the yellow tier.

Adding a little sugar to your turnips after cooking can also help to counteract any bitterness.

Larger turnips are best peeled and steamed, boiled or mashed. Chunks of turnip are often added to casseroles or soups. Try sautéing or steaming the leaves in the same way as spinach, or add them to stews and curries.

It's not essential to peel turnips before cooking. If this skin appears to be thin enough you can leave it on and cook as is. However if the skin feels thick and leathery, you can peel it off with a sharp knife or vegetable peeler. Both the roots and leaves, also known as turnip greens, are safe to eat.

Turnips are a cruciferous vegetable with multiple health benefits. They boast an impressive nutritional profile, and their bioactive compounds, such as glucosinolates, may support blood sugar control, protect against harmful bacteria, and provide anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects.

Turnips have surprising benefits in diabetes. Turnip greens are high in fiber, providing 5 grams per cup. Studies have shown that people with type 1 diabetes who consume high-fiber diets have lower blood glucose levels, making turnips an excellent option for those with or at risk for this chronic illness.

Wash greens and roots well. Some suggest soaking the greens in a little salty water. One turnip website from the United Kingdom notes that if you boil them, add a little sugar to tame the scent and add baking soda to reduce bitterness.

Try adding fresh herbs (rosemary is particularly delicious with the spicy bite of turnips) or spices, or combine the turnips with other root vegetables as you like. You'll find some variations at the end of the recipe. They're tasty all on their own but can certainly benefit from a bit of extra love.

They take about as long to cook as carrots but do not overcook. Unlike carrots which become sweeter with cooking, turnips lose their sweetness when overcooked.

Add the turnips and potatoes to a large stockpot and fill the pot with water, enough to cover the vegetables. Heat over medium-high heat and bring to a boil, then simmer until the turnips are tender (they may take longer to cook than the potatoes), about 15 minutes.

Is it OK to eat raw turnips? ›

Yes, turnips can be eaten raw. However, they generally taste better raw when they're younger and smaller. Cooked turnips of any age or size can be used in various dishes and prepared in many ways. Cooking turnips can also give them more flavor.

Turnip contains several organic compounds like glucosinolates, isothiocyanates, flavonoids, phenols, indoles, volatiles and sulfur compounds that may possess antioxidant activity. The compounds present in turnip may reduce the risk of liver damage and might help maintain its structure and function.

To check if a turnip has gone bad, look for discoloration, a soft texture, and an off smell. Turnips should be firm and have a bright, vibrant color. They should also have a mild, lightly sweet aroma. If it has any signs of mold or if it has noticeably shrunk or withered, it might be time to throw it out.

Storage and food safety

Turnips can be stored two weeks in refrigerator or 8 to 10 months in freezer. To prevent cross-contamination, keep turnips away from raw meat and meat juices. Wash hands before and after handling fresh produce.

Rutabagas are also generally much larger than turnips. So for a quick rule of thumb, the brownish-yellowish ones are rutabagas, and the smaller white and purple ones are turnips. In terms of their flavor, rutabagas are slightly sweeter-tasting than turnips whereas turnips have a slightly more radishy flavor.

Turnips are a healthy alternative to potatoes; they're lower in calories and have fewer carbs. Smaller, sweeter turnips can be sliced into wedges and eaten raw like an apple.

Turnips taste more like a cross between cabbage and radish with a sweet and slightly peppery flavor with a crisp white inner. Turnips are an ideal potato replacement as they have a similar texture. Turnips can be prepared n several different ways, including baking, boiling, roasting, or steaming.