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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.
| Lauberge Del MarLauberge | Del Mar CA | 858-259-1515 |
| Bahia Resort Hotel | San Diego CA | 858-488-0551 |
| Waypoint Public | San Diego CA | 619-255-8778 |
| US Grant Hotel Main | San Diego CA | 619-232-3121 |
| Urban Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-239-2222 |
| Rancho Valencia | Del Mar CA | 858-756-1123 |
| Shakespeare's Corner Shoppe & Afternoon Tea | San Diego CA | 619-683-2748 |
| The Patio On 101 | Encinitas CA | 858-270-9900 |
| Backyard Kitchen & Tap-Bar | San Diego CA | 619-308-6500 |
| insideOUT | San Diego CA | 619-793-9221 |
| Jack Monaco Creative Consulting | San Diego CA | 619-318-2633 |
| Saint Mark Golf and Resort, LLC | San Marcos CA | 858-273-8440 |
| La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club | San Diego CA | 858-454-7126 |
| The Patio on Goldfinch (Mission Hills) | San Diego CA | 619-501-5090 |
| UCSD Food & Nutrition Department La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-657-6473 |
| La Costa Glen South | Carlsbad CA | 760-704-1000 |
| Sheraton Carlsbad (20/20) | Carlsbad CA | 760-827-2400 |
| UCSD Faculty Club | La Jolla CA | 858-246-2638 |
| Culinary Concepts | San Diego CA | 858-530-1885 |
| Convivial Catering | San Diego CA | 760-828-8762 |
| The Lion Share | San Diego CA | 619-564-6924 |
| Martinis above Fourth | San Diego CA | 619-241-2622 |
| UCSD Food & Nutrition Department Hillcrest | San Diego CA | 619-543-2764 |
| The Patio on Lamont | San Diego CA | 619-235-5606 |
| Pete's Premade Paleo | San Diego CA | 770-359-8274 |
| The Flavor Chef (Catering) | Vista CA | 619-295-3172 |
| Top of the Market | San Diego CA | 619-234-4867 |
| US Grant Hotel Grill | San Diego CA | 619-232-3121 |
| JSIX American restaurant & Bar | San Diego CA | 619-531-8744 |
| The Patio Marketplace | San Diego CA | 858-270-9900 |
| Campfire | Carlsbad CA | 858-231-0862 |
| The Shores | La Jolla CA | 858-459-8271 |
| Leroy's Kitchen & Lounge | Coronado CA | 619-522-6890 |
| Ad Libitum | San Diego CA | 909-938-9580 |
| Luce | San Diego CA | 619-275-2094 |
| San Diego Yacht Club | San Diego CA | 619-758-6334 |
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.
Broadway Sunday Farmer's Market
Growing Washington
Near Seattle, Washington, United StatesPo Box 30282, Bellingham 98228 About 9 days ago, 1/13/19 Spotter'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 18 days ago, 1/04/19 
Broadway Sunday Farmer's Market
Growing Washington
Near Seattle, Washington, United StatesPo Box 30282, Bellingham 98228 About 58 days ago, 11/25/18 Spotter'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 343 days ago, 2/13/18 Dillons Near Wichita, Kansas, United States About 404 days ago, 12/14/17 
Marketplace Foods
Wisconsin, United StatesAbout 421 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 717 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 ;) |
