Produce Briefs...
Wasabi
Wasabi is a perennial and a member of the Cruciferae family. It is grown mainly for its underground rhizome (tuber) which produces branch-less, edible leaves above ground. A mature wasabi root is firm, cylindrical, brown and green-skinned and tapered.
Green Shishito Chile Peppers
Japanese peppers are mildly spicy and most often prepared cooked. Saute peppers in olive oil, over high heat, until they just begin to blister- serve hot, sprinkled with sea salt.
Seasons/Availability
Baby bunch turnips are available year round with a peak season October through March.
Current Facts
Baby turnips, Brassica rapa var rapifera, are members of the mustard family, thus they are related to cauliflower and cabbage. Turnip is a general name given to over 30 domesticated varieties of turnips which vary in size, color, flavor and usage. Many varieties are planted for human consumption while larger varieties are reserved specifically as feedstock for animals. Although common turnips can be harvested young , Baby turnips are actually smaller turnip varieties that will never reach the size of the common turnip nor maintain cellar vegetable storage qualities. Most Baby turnip varieties are heirloom varieties with European origins, just like the common turnip. However, there are also hybrid varieties and Asian varieties as well. Baby turnips can be white, gold, pink and purple topped.
Description/Taste
Baby turnips are made up of edible roots, stems and leaves. Several pale green stems of the plant sprout from the bulbous root into broad green leaves. The root itself is globular and about one inch in diameter, creamy white with a loamy finish. Each root has a tapered thin taproot. Baby turnips have a similar but slightly milder flavor and texture to radishes. Their bone white flesh is firm, crunchy, succulent, earthy sweet and peppery.
Applications
Baby turnips can be eaten raw, whole or sliced, featured in crudités and salads among other vegetables and salad greens. They can be braised, fried, grilled, sautéed and slow roasted. The latter two applications are the most favorable in enhancing the sweetness of the turnip and creating a fork tender texture. Baby turnips pair well with bacon, beets, butter, citrus, chestnuts, cream, melting and aged cheeses, cider, garlic, lamb, mint, mustard, pepper, parsnips, paprika, potatoes, sweet potatoes, thyme and vinegar. Baby turnips can be transformed into purées, soups and gratins. Their tender leaves can also be used as a bitter green in salads.
Geography/History
The wild turnip, B. rapa, is native to Europe, specifically indigenous to the Alps. The oldest wild turnip seeds were found at an archeological site in Switzerland. Wild turnips are still found growing as a weed in the same area it was discovered. The domesticated origins of the turnip date back to the Hellenistic period of Greek civilization (approximately 300 BCE). The turnip may be the single most historically important vegetable of Europe as food for both humans and animals. One of the primary reason's for the turnips agricultural success is how easily it is cultivated. The turnip is a cool season crop, selected for cultivation for centuries in long, cold winters in mountain chains throughout Europe. Europe remains the center of diversity of turnip varieties as well as the center of production and use.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Fish 101 | Encinitas CA | 415-308-5572 |
| Great Maple | San Diego CA | 619-255-2282 |
| Jake's Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-755-2002 |
| The Farm House Cafe | San Diego CA | 619-269-9662 |
| Nine - Ten | San Diego CA | 858-964-5400 |
| Prepkitchen Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-792-7737 |
| Vista Valley | Vista CA | 760-758-2800 |
| Cafe Chloe | San Diego CA | 619-232-3242 |
| Roy's San Diego | San Diego CA | 619-239-7697 |
| Analog | San Diego CA | 619-233-1183 |
| Wine Vault & Bistro | San Diego CA | 619-295-3939 |
| Bertrand at Mr A's | San Diego CA | 619-239-1377 |
| La Villa | San Diego CA | 619 255 5221 |
| Rancho Valencia | Del Mar CA | 858-756-1123 |
| West Steak and Seafood | Carlsbad CA | 760-930-9100 |
| Third Corner Ocean Beach | San Diego CA | 619-223-2700 |
| Flying Pig Pub & Kitchen | Oceanside CA | 619-990-0158 |
| Crosby National Golf Club LLC | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-227-0172 |
| Prepkitchen Little Italy | San Diego CA | 619-247-0394 |
| Tapenade | San Diego CA | 858-551-7500 |
| Searsucker | San Diego CA | 619-233-7327 |
| Currant | San Diego CA | 619-702-6309 |
| Hotel Del Coronado 1500 Restaurant | Coronado CA | 619-435-6611 |
| Red Door Restaurant & Wine Bar | San Diego CA | 619-295-6000 |
| Tom Hams Light House | San Diego CA | 619-291-9110 |
| La Valencia | San Diego CA | 858-551-3750 |
| Lodge at Torrey Pines Grill | San Diego CA | 858-453-4420 |
| Burlap | San Diego CA | 858 369 5700 |
| Whisknladle | San Diego CA | 858-551-7575 |
| Leroy's Kitchen & Lounge | Coronado CA | 619-522-6890 |
| Hotel Del Coronado Banquets | Coronado CA | 619-435-6611 |
| Paradise Point Resort Main Kitchen | San Diego CA | 858-490-6363 |
| Georges at the Cove | San Diego CA | 858-454-4244 |
| Heat Bar & Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-546-4328 |
| Prepkitchen La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-875-7737 |
| La Costa Blue Fire | Carlsbad CA | 760-930-7063 |
| Pamplemousse Grill | Solana Beach CA | 858-792-9090 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Baby Bunch Turnips. One
is easiest, three is harder.
