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Produce Briefs...
Ramps
The wild ramp, AKA wild leek, botanical name Allium tricoccum, is a flowering perennial plant that grows in clusters. It is a member of the Allium family along with onions and leeks
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime is a cross between a sour, loose skinned mandarin and a kumquat, therefore technically making it an orangequat.
Salanova Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
Description/Taste
Rutabagas are the roots of a hardy biennial plant, with bluish-colored leaves similar to those of a cabbage, yet smoother. Young leaves can be eaten, though some must remain on the plant to keep the root alive. Rutabagas are larger than a turnip, described by horticulturalists as having a “swollen neck” where the stems and leaves protrude. The color of the root is typically yellow at the tip with a dark purple stain at the neck and shoulders. Rutabagas have a milder taste than turnips, though they do have a similar bitterness. The younger, smaller Rutabagas harvested between two and 3 inches in diameter offer a mild cruciferous flavor. For a sweeter taste, it is recommended that the roots remain underground until around four to 5 inches in size. The roots can be stored in the ground for up to a year before they are harvested. Roots kept underground for a longer period of time can range in color from white to yellow to all purple. The flesh of a Rutabaga is yellow, its texture firm and fine-grained. When cooked, the flavor is sometimes described as sweet, yet savory; like a richly flavored golden potato.
Seasons/Availability
Rutabagas are available year-round with a peak season during the winter months.
Current Facts
The Rutabaga root, pronounced ROOT-a-BAY-ga, is a member of the cruciferous family of vegetables. Botanically known as Brassica napus var. napobrassica, the Rutabaga is a cross between a cabbage and a turnip. Rutabagas are a winter crop, and because of their nutrient-dense leaves they are sometimes planted by farmers as feed for livestock. The tuber, also called a Swedish turnip or “Swede,” does most of its growing under the cooler winter temperatures, so it can be harvested well into the spring months.
Nutritional Value
The Swedish-born root is high in iron, which is not typical of most vegetables. They have around 25% of the recommended daily amount of vitamin C and are a good source of vitamin A. Rutabagas are low in fat and cholesterol free, and they contain a moderate amount of dietary fiber.
Applications
Rutabagas are easier to prepare than many other root vegetables thanks in part to an easy-to-peel skin. Once the skin is removed, Rutabagas can be sliced, diced, or cut into wedges depending on the intended preparation. Often used in place of potatoes in Swedish and northern European dishes, the Rutabaga is boiled and then mashed or pureed, roasted and even eaten raw. Sautee onions, celery and carrots with diced Rutabaga for the base of a pureed Rutabaga soup. As an alternative to potatoes, cut a Rutabaga so it sits flat on a baking sheet and score the other side, a la “hasselback potatoes,” insert garlic and oil between the slices of root and bake. Rutabagas can be kept for months in cool, slightly humid conditions, and can be stored unwashed in the crisper of the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Prior to storing, cut greens at least an inch above the root if still attached.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
The International Rutabaga Curling Championship takes place annually on the last day of the market season at the Ithaca, New York Farmers' Market. This event has been held since 1998, with participants using only Rutabagas in their curling competition. The rules prohibit the use of any vegetable other than a Rutabaga, and recommend bringing your own.
Geography/History
Rutabagas were created by Swiss botanist Gaspard Bauhin during the seventeenth century, through a cross between a cabbage and a turnip. The word Rutabaga comes from the Swedish “rotabagge” or “baggy root.” Rutabagas didn’t appear in the United States until around the turn of the 19th century and were first cultivated in the northern part of the country. The cold-hardy vegetable is drought resistant and maintains its nutrients and minerals far into the winter months, regardless of frost. For this reason, and for its high percentage of protein and easy digestibility, Rutabaga has become a popular grazing crop for livestock in the United States. Multiple varieties of Rutabaga exist, among them the Purple Top Yellow, Macomber and American Purple Top Yellow. Rutabagas are grown most often in the cooler northern regions of the United States, Canada, Europe, and Great Britain. Its popularity in Sweden earned it the moniker “Swede,” which is still used throughout much of Europe today.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Rancho Valencia | Del Mar CA | 858-756-1123 |
| Lauberge Del MarLauberge | Del Mar CA | 858-259-1515 |
| Beaumont's | San Diego CA | 858-459-0474 |
| Top of the Market | San Diego CA | 619-234-4867 |
| Vineyard Gourmet Catering | Temecula CA | 951-858-1585 |
| The Patio on Lamont | San Diego CA | 619-235-5606 |
| The Flavor Chef (Catering) | Vista CA | 619-295-3172 |
| Galaxy Taco | La Jolla CA | 858-228-5655 |
| Pete's Premade Paleo | San Diego CA | 770-359-8274 |
| The Patio on Goldfinch (Mission Hills) | San Diego CA | 619-501-5090 |
| UCSD Food & Nutrition Department La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-657-6473 |
| Union Kitchen & Tap (Encinitas) | Encinitas CA | 760-230-2337 |
| Culinary Concepts | San Diego CA | 858-530-1885 |
| InterContinental Vistal Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-501-9400 |
| Leroy's Kitchen & Lounge | Coronado CA | 619-522-6890 |
| UCSD Food & Nutrition Department Hillcrest | San Diego CA | 619-543-2764 |
| The Patio On 101 | Encinitas CA | 858-270-9900 |
| Catania La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 619-295-3173 |
| La Costa Resort & Spa Main Kitchen | Carlsbad CA | 760-930-7063 |
| Qero | Encinitas CA | 760-753-9050 |
| Shakespeare's Corner Shoppe & Afternoon Tea | San Diego CA | 619-683-2748 |
| Born & Raised | San Diego CA | 619-550-5412 |
| The Haven | San Diego CA | 619-964-3778 |
| Horton Grand Hotel | San Diego CA | 619-544-1886 |
| PFC Fitness Camp | Carlsbad CA | 888-488-8936 |
| Marriott Gaslamp | San Diego CA | 619-696-0234 x6051 |
| Red Door Friends | San Diego CA | 619-295-6000 |
| St. Paul's Plaza | Chula Vista CA | 619-239-6900 |
| The Wild Thyme Company | San Diego CA | 858-527-0226 |
| Cucina Sorella | San Diego CA | 619-281-4014 |
| Beesalt Balcony | Del Mar CA | 972-567-2396 |
| Table Food + Drink | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-771-1313 |
| Martinis above Fourth | San Diego CA | 619-241-2622 |
| Saiko Sushi-North Park | San Diego CA | 619-886-6656 |
| JSIX American restaurant & Bar | San Diego CA | 619-531-8744 |
| The Cork and Craft | San Diego CA | 858-618-2463 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Rutabaga. One
is easiest, three is harder.Recently Spotted
People have spotted Rutabaga 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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Real Food Market & Deli
Near Helena, Montana, United States About 280 days ago, 2/13/18 Dillons Near Wichita, Kansas, United States About 341 days ago, 12/14/17 
Marketplace Foods
Wisconsin, United StatesAbout 358 days ago, 11/27/17 Spotter's comments : Rutabagas spotted at Marketplace Foods. 
Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods Market - Interbay
Near Seattle, Washington, United States2001 15th Avenue W, Seattle 98119 206-352-5440 About 654 days ago, 2/04/17 Spotter's comments : Rutabagas spotted at Whole Foods Market. Organic Rutabagas are excellent mashed or home fried like potatoes. Even fried into chips for those avoiding corn but craving nachos ;) Covington Farmers Market Near Covington, Louisiana, United States About 678 days ago, 1/11/17 New Season's Near Tualatin, Oregon, United States About 700 days ago, 12/20/16 
Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods Market - Interbay
Near Seattle, Washington, United States2001 15th Avenue W, Seattle 98119 206-352-5440 About 702 days ago, 12/18/16 Spotter's comments : Rutabagas spotted at Whole Foods Market. This Local Washington Organic Rutabaga Root is a stout yet easily prepared starch, similar to potatoes. Mashed or cubed, it's a great side ;) |
