What do turnips taste like?

Although turnips look like potatoes when they are peeled and chopped, they have their own distinct flavor. Turnips taste slightly tangy, a bit peppery and if you choose the smaller turnips, they will taste slightly sweet. Raw turnips can have a bitter taste. The flavor of turnips is enhanced when cooked in butter or oil with some onions.

How to store turnips?

Harvest to Table gives these tips for storing turnips: Don't wash turnips before storing. Store turnips in a cold moist place as near to freezing as possible without actual freezing, 32°-40°F (0°-4°C) and 95 percent relative humidity. Store turnips wrapped in a moist cloth or paper towel in a perforated plastic bag in the vegetable crisper drawer of the refrigerator. Turnips will keep in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 months.

Fried Turnips ⋆ Deb's Daily Dish

Description

Fried turnips take on a delicious earthy flavor when they are pan fried in a skillet. A buttery herb sauce is the perfect finish to this healthy low carb side dish.

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 pound turnips, peeled and cut into approximately 1 inch pieces
1 small yellow onion, sliced
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper

Herb sauce

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 bay leaves
3 sprigs of fresh thyme*
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

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Instructions

Cut off tops of turnips and peel outer layer. Wash, dry and cut into 1 inch pieces.
Peel onion and thinly slice.
Heat cast iron or other heavy skillet over medium flame. Melt the butter.
Add turnips on one side of pan, add onion on the other. Sprinkle salt and pepper over vegetables.
Let turnips cook for 5 minutes before turning over. Stir onions to brown evenly.
If vegetables are getting too brown, lower flame to low-medium. Cook the other side of turnips for another 5 minutes. Use a fork to pierce the center of the turnip. If it goes in easily and the turnips break apart a bit, they are done. The turnips and onions should be golden brown.
Push vegetables off to the side of pan. Add the oil and spices and stir well. Mix into the vegetables to coat.
Remove bay leaf before serving.

Notes

* Choose smaller turnips for the best flavor.

*you can substitute 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme for the fresh herb.

*Dried beets are an optional garnish.

*Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet until hot.

*To freeze fried turnips, place cooled turnips on cookie sheet. Put in freezer and freeze for 2-3 hours. Remove to a freezer storage bag or other airtight container. Store in freezer for 3-6 months. Defrost overnight in refrigerator and reheat in skillet or oven until hot.