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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.
| Chateau Lake San Marcos | San Marcos CA | 760-471-0083 |
| Westin Gaslamp Quarter | San Diego CA | 619-239-2200 |
| The Wild Thyme Company | San Diego CA | 858-527-0226 |
| InterContinental Banquet Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-501-9400 |
| US Grant Hotel Main | San Diego CA | 619-232-3121 |
| Royal Polaris Sportfishing | San Diego CA | 619-226-8030 |
| The Guild Hotel | San Diego CA | 858-373-3184 |
| La Costa Glen North | Carlsbad CA | 760-704-1436 |
| The Patio on Goldfinch (Mission Hills) | San Diego CA | 619-501-5090 |
| Glenbrook Health Center | Carlsbad CA | 760-704-1000 |
| Decoy Dockside Restaurant | San Marcos CA | 760-653-3230 |
| Campfire | Carlsbad CA | 858-231-0862 |
| Toast Catering | san diego CA | 858-208-9422 |
| Javier Plascencia | Bonita CA | 619-295-3172 |
| Sheraton Carlsbad - 7 Mile | Carlsbad CA | 760-827-2400 |
| US Grant Hotel Grill | San Diego CA | 619-232-3121 |
| Lauberge Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-259-1515 |
| The Patio on Lamont | San Diego CA | 619-235-5606 |
| Aztec Shop Catering | San Diego CA | 619 594-3576 |
| Rancho Valencia | Del Mar CA | 858-756-1123 |
| Sheraton Carlsbad (20/20) | Carlsbad CA | 760-827-2400 |
| JSIX American restaurant & Bar | San Diego CA | 619-531-8744 |
| The Flavor Chef (Catering) | Vista CA | 619-295-3172 |
| Pete's Premade Paleo | San Diego CA | 770-359-8274 |
| PFC Fitness Camp | Carlsbad CA | 888-488-8936 |
| Shakespeare's Corner Shoppe & Afternoon Tea | San Diego CA | 619-683-2748 |
| La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club | San Diego CA | 858-454-7126 |
| JRDN Restaurant | San Diego CA | 858-270-5736 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Rutabaga. One
is easiest,
three is harder.Recently Shared
People have shared Rutabaga 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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Hy-Vee
Near Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States About 64 days ago, 3/21/19 Sharer's comments : Rutabagas spotted at Hy-Vee. 
Vons
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 80 days ago, 3/05/19 Sharer's comments : Rutabagas spotted at Vons. 
Broadway Sunday Farmer's Market
Growing Washington
Near Seattle, Washington, United StatesPo Box 30282, Bellingham 98228 About 131 days ago, 1/13/19 Sharer's comments : Rutabagas spotted at Broadway Sunday Farmer's Market. Sweet yet savory, a lively alternative to potatoes! Farm Runners Near Hotchkiss, Colorado, United States About 140 days ago, 1/04/19 
Broadway Sunday Farmer's Market
Growing Washington
Near Seattle, Washington, United StatesPo Box 30282, Bellingham 98228 About 180 days ago, 11/25/18 Sharer's comments : Rutabagas spotted at Broadway Sunday Farmer's Market. Cross between cabbage and turnip, and an awesome substitute for a potato ;) Real Food Market & Deli Near Helena, Montana, United States About 464 days ago, 2/13/18 Dillons Near Wichita, Kansas, United States About 526 days ago, 12/14/17 
Marketplace Foods
Wisconsin, United StatesAbout 543 days ago, 11/27/17 Sharer's comments : Rutabagas spotted at Marketplace Foods. |
