Produce Briefs...
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime, scientific name, X Citrofortunella mitis & Citrus microcarpa, is also known as the lime orange, Chinese orange or Calamondin orange.
Salanova® Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
Pinkglow™ Pineapple
Pinkglow™ pineapples are small to medium fruits with an oval to cylindrical shape.
Description/Taste
Japanese turnips are small, white, globe-shaped roots with a single straight tendril tail resembling a radish. Its tender skin is crisp with a sweet and a slightly fruity flavor. The Japanese greens have light stems with green round frilly-edged leaves. Japanese turnip greens are edible as well and have a similar taste to mustard greens.
Seasons/Availability
Japanese turnips are available during fall and winter.
Current Facts
Japanese turnips are part of the Brassica Rapa species. The Japanese turnip is also known by the names of hakurei turnip, Tokyo turnip, kabu, and salad turnip. The Japanese turnip is considered to have a sweet taste, however turnips contain a chemical called cyanoglucosides, which may cause turnips to taste incredibly bitter depending on your genetic makeup. The taste of turnips you perceive is determined by whether you inherited genes that are sensitive to cyanide.
Nutritional Value
Turnips are a great source of vitamin C. Their leafy greens are even more nutritious and offer vitamins A, C, and K as well as folate and calcium.
Applications
The Japanese turnip is unlike other turnips in that they can be eaten raw. In fact, it is said they are best eaten raw. The Hakurei turnip has a tender skin that does not require peeling, only scrub well before taking a bite or shaving onto a salad. Hakurei turnips pair well with many foods, including their own greens, and can also be sliced into wedges, sautéed, roasted, quick pickled, boiled or added to soup or stew. When they are cooked they produce a buttery flavor and their sweetness is enhanced.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Turnips are one of the oldest vegetables to be cultivated. In 16th century Europe they were chosen as the “vegetable of nobility” and can be found displayed on the coat of arms for several royal families and townships. Turnips were also traditionally used in Celtic festivals as lanterns, hollowed out like pumpkins for Halloween.
Geography/History
While turnips in general have been around for centuries, Japanese turnips are a newer variety. Japanese turnips were cultivated in Japan in the 1950s when there was famine caused by World War II. Now the Japanese turnip is renowned for having a distinguished and delicate flavor. Japanese turnips grow rather quickly and should be pulled when young and reach 2 inches in diameter. They can withstand moderate frost but are subject to pests including flea beetles and root maggots; floating row covers can be added during sowing to deter pests. Turnips with greens can be stored at a temperature of 32 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 14 days. Turnips can also be stored frozen either in raw cubes or fully cooked or mashed.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Stake Chophouse & Bar | Coronado CA | 619-522-0077 |
| Miho | San Diego CA | 619-365-5655 |
| Mesa College | San Diego CA | 619-388-2240 |
| Golden Door | San Marcos CA | 760-761-4142 |
| Oyster and Pearl Bar Restaurant | La Mesa CA | 619-303-8118 |
| Secret Sister | San Diego CA | 619-281-0718 |
| Little Lion | San Diego CA | 619-519-4079 |
| Matsu | Oceanside CA | 760-717-5899 |
| Lodge at Torrey Pines Main | San Diego CA | 858-453-4420 |
| Jeune Et Jolie | Carlsbad CA | 858-231-0862 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Japanese Turnips. One
is easiest, three is harder.Recently Shared
People have shared Japanese Turnips using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Sharing 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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Poway Farmers Market
D'Acquisto Farms
Near Poway, California, United StatesSan Diego, CA About 68 days ago, 3/12/22 Sharer's comments : Japanese salad turnips - ONLY 2 left 😆 
Virginia Park Farmer's Market
County Line Harvest
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 110 days ago, 1/29/22 Sharer's comments : Japanese Turnips from County Line Harvest 
Virginia Park Farmer's Market
County Line Harvest
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 131 days ago, 1/08/22 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Valdivia Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United States1-760-310-0334 About 163 days ago, 12/08/21 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 179 days ago, 11/21/21 Sharer's comments : Japanese Turnips from McGrath Family Farms 
Specialty Produce
SpecialtyProduce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock street San Diego CA 92110 619-295-3172 About 237 days ago, 9/24/21 Sharer's comments : Japanese turnips from Jr Organics 
Leucadia Farmer's Market
Rodriguez Family Farms
Near Encinitas, California, United StatesSan Diego, CA About 242 days ago, 9/19/21 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 437 days ago, 3/08/21 Sharer's comments : Tokyo turnips from County Line 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 469 days ago, 2/04/21 Sharer's comments : Tokyo Turnips! 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 490 days ago, 1/14/21 Sharer's comments : Baby Tokyo Turnips from County Line Harvest |
