Monday, 20 August 2012

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A TURNIP AND A SWEDE?


Sometimes it can be difficult to distinguish between vegetables, which can often mislabelled.  Turnips and swedes are an example of this.

Turnips and swedes are both root vegetables belonging to the cabbage family.  However they are often confused, even though they look quite different. The difference between turnips and swedes is evident when you see the two side by side. 

Swede

Swedes (Brassica napus napobrassica) originate from Sweden and are also known as the Swedish turnip, yellow turnip or rutabaga.

Larger than the turnip, the swede is roughly the size of a shoe.  Its rough skin is creamy white and partly purple, with a distinctive 'collar'. Their flesh is yellow/orange and has a sweet, mild taste when roasted.

Cropping over a long time, swedes are frost proof and can stay in the soil throughout the winter.


Turnip

Turnips (Brassica rapa) are smaller than swedes, usually about the size of a golf ball. 

Their smooth, silky skin is coloured white, with a purple or reddish top. The flesh is white and has a peppery taste.

Turnips are a hungry, fast growing crop; ready five to eight weeks from sowing to harvesting. They are not frost proof so they must be harvested in the autumn before the frosts set in.
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