Turnip is an underrated root vegetable that offers a sweet and peppery flavor. Turnips are fast-growing and both the leaves and the turnip are great to eat!
Grow turnip in your garden
Turnip is a fast-growing and easy-to-grow root vegetable that thrives best when cultivated correctly. As the name suggests, turnip is ready to harvest in May – at least if grown in southern Sweden! Here are a few steps for successfully growing turnip in your garden:
Sowing time:
Direct sow the turnip in open soil once the frost has left the ground. It’s also possible to sow turnip in late summer to harvest in autumn.
Row planting:
Sow in rows with proper spacing – avoid sowing too densely as turnip bulbs don’t like tight spaces. Thin in time to give each bulb room to grow.
Cultivation and care:
To ensure healthy growth and tasty bulbs, here are a few key cultivation tips:
Sunny location: Turnips thrive best with plenty of sun. Make sure they get enough light for the roots to develop properly.
Soil requirements: Plant in well-drained soil. Consistent access to nutrients and water is important, but avoid excessive watering.
Harvesting:
To enjoy juicy and flavorful turnips, follow these simple harvesting steps:
Optimal size: Harvest turnips when they are about 3 to 7 cm in diameter. Too large turnips can lose their tenderness.
Best time of day: Harvest in the morning when the plant is crisp and fresh. This helps retain the turnip’s crunch and moisture.
Leaves are edible: Don’t forget that turnip greens are edible and can be used in various dishes.
Cool quickly: Cool the turnips as soon as possible after harvest to preserve quality and shelf life.
By following these guidelines, you can enjoy a rich harvest of juicy and tasty turnips from your own garden.
How can you use turnip?
Turnip is a versatile vegetable that can be used in many ways in cooking! Here are some tasty and easy ideas for including turnip in your meals:
Raw in salads: Add freshly grated turnip to green salads for a crispy texture and sweet contrast.
Turnip soup: Make a healthy soup by boiling turnips with onion, garlic, and broth. Blend into a smooth texture and top with herbs.
Roasted turnip: Roast turnips in the oven with olive oil and herbs for a simple and flavorful side dish.
Turnip fries: Cut turnip into sticks, season, and bake them in the oven for a healthier alternative to French fries.
Turnip in stir-fries: Shred turnip and stir-fry with vegetables and protein for a quick, nutritious meal.
Turnip rösti: Grate turnips and make crispy rösti as a tasty addition to breakfast or brunch.
Turnip salad with nuts: Mix turnip with nuts, dried fruit, and a light dressing for a delicious salad.
