Produce Briefs...
Orange Honeydew Melon
Oval-to-round and a delicious cross between a cantaloupe and a honeydew, the very fleshy juicy orangish-yellow pulp of the orange honeydew melon is encased in a hard very yellow matching rind.
Iceberg Lettuce
It is the only lettuce type that does not occur in red form as well as green. Iceberg is the given name to dozens of cultivars of lettuce, all of which are adapted to specific planting regions and time periods.
Seasons/Availability
Turnips are best harvested year round.
Current Facts
Turnips, Brassica rapa, 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.
Description/Taste
Common turnips are made up of edible roots, stems and leaves. Several stems of the plant sprout from the bulbous root into broad green leaves. The root itself is roughly 3 inches in diameter, two-toned with magenta blushed tops and white bottoms that flow into the bulb's tapered thin taproot. Often, the taproot is trimmed before being sold in a supermarket. Turnips have a similar flavor and texture to radishes. Their bone white flesh is firm, crunchy succulent, earthy sweet and peppery.
Applications
Turnips are a quintessential cellar vegetable utilized in many classic European dishes. It was Escoffier who embellished the turnip's culinary attributes, elevating its purpose in dishes such as navets farces (stuffed turnips) and Navarin a la Printaniere (Young turnips with Spring Lamb). Turnips can be utilized for fresh eating when young, though they are truly transformed, their flesh softened and their flavors rich and sweet, when cooked. Best cooking methods are braising, simmering, slow roasting and sautéeing. Turnips can also be made into smooth purées and soups. Turnips pair well with other root vegetables such as beets, parsnips and carrots. They also pair with rich meats such as pork, beef, sausages and game. Other complimentary ingredients include butter, cream, cheese, chives, chestnuts, garlic, citrus, mushrooms, parsley, potatoes, tarragon, thyme and vinegar.
Geography/History
The wild turnip, B. rapa, is native to Europe. Its domesticated origins can be found in Assyrian documentation, though most evidence points 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. For hundreds of years, turnips were cultivated primarily as livestock fodder. During World War I, the turnip was even named for the winter of 1916-1917 in Germany. During the "turnip winter", turnips were no longer simply utilized as feedstock, as German families and soldiers survived on the cold hardy turnips as substitute for meat and potatoes, which were both extremely scarce. Turnips were used as coffee substitutes, flour substitutes and became the omnipresent ingredient in "war bread".
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| San Diego Culinary Institute Inc. | La Mesa CA | 619-644-2100 |
| La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club | San Diego CA | 858-454-7126 |
| Herringbone | La Jolla CA | 858-459-0221 |
| La Villa | San Diego CA | 619 255 5221 |
| La Costa Glen Health Center | Carlsbad CA | 760-704-1000 |
| Flying Pig Pub & Kitchen | Oceanside CA | 619-990-0158 |
| Pete's Premade Paleo | El Cajon CA | 770-354-1150 |
| Plan Cha | La Mesa CA | 619-213-4277 |
| In The Market | San Diego CA | 619-232-6367 |
| Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-756-1582 |
| Croces | San Diego CA | 619-233-4355 |
| La Costa Glen North | Carlsbad CA | 760-704-1436 |
| La Costa Glen South | Carlsbad CA | FRONT: 760-704-1000 |
| Leroy's Kitchen & Lounge | Coronado CA | 619-522-6890 |
| Harney Sushi Old Town | San Diego CA | 619-295-3272 |
| Maderas Golf Club | Poway CA | 858-451-8100 |
| US Grant Hotel Main | San Diego CA | 619-232-3121 |
| Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-759-6063 |
| Giuseppe Restaurants & Fine Catering | San Diego CA | 760-822-3593 sal |
| Rancho Valencia | Del Mar CA | 858-756-1123 |
| Bleu Boheme | San Diego CA | 619-255-4167 |
| Great Maple | San Diego CA | 619-255-2282 |
| Crust Pizzeria | Carlsbad CA | 760-944-1111 |
| Lafayette Hotel | San Diego CA | 619-296-2101 |
| Surf Side Cuisine | San Diego CA | 619 507-0891 |
| Cafe Chloe | San Diego CA | 619-232-3242 |
| Mission Bay Yacht Club | San Diego CA | 858-488-0501 x14 |
| Cucina Urbana | San Diego CA | 619-239-2222 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Turnips. One
is easiest, three is harder.Recently Spotted
People have spotted Turnips using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Spotting allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
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Sprouts East Lake Near Chula Vista, California, United States About 70 days ago Speciality Produce Near San Diego, California, United States About 105 days ago Spotter's comments : Haven't had turnips in a while? Try adding to your next stew or roast and puree smooth and serve instead of potatoes. In stock. |
