Purple top turnips are a delicious and nutritious root vegetable that can add a burst of flavor and color to various dishes. They are a cool-season crop, which means they thrive in the cooler temperatures of spring or fall. With their sweet and slightly peppery taste, purple top turnips are a great addition to salads, soups, stews, and roasted vegetable medleys. In this article, we will explore the different ways to cook purple top turnips, including boiling, roasting, sautéing, and pickling.
Choosing the Right Purple Top Turnips
Before we dive into the cooking methods, it’s essential to choose the right purple top turnips. When selecting turnips, look for those that are firm and heavy for their size. The skin should be smooth and free of blemishes. The purple top turnips should have a vibrant purple color on top and a white or cream-colored bottom. Avoid turnips that are soft or have signs of mold or rot.
Storing Purple Top Turnips
Proper storage is crucial to maintaining the freshness and flavor of purple top turnips. Store them in a cool, dark place with good ventilation. You can store them in the refrigerator, but make sure they are dry and not touching each other. If you don’t plan to use them immediately, you can store them in a root cellar or a cool basement. Purple top turnips can last for several weeks when stored properly.
Boiling Purple Top Turnips
Boiling is a simple and quick way to cook purple top turnips. Here’s a basic recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
- 2-3 purple top turnips, peeled and chopped into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons of salt
- 4 cups of water
Instructions:
- Fill a large pot with the chopped turnips and salt.
- Add the water to the pot and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the turnips are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Drain the turnips and serve hot.
You can also add other ingredients to the boiling water to enhance the flavor. Some options include:
- Garlic: Mince 1-2 cloves of garlic and add it to the boiling water for an extra boost of flavor.
- Lemon juice: Squeeze 1-2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice into the boiling water for a burst of citrus flavor.
- Herbs: Add a few sprigs of fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary to the boiling water for added flavor.
Roasting Purple Top Turnips
Roasting brings out the natural sweetness in purple top turnips. Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
- 2-3 purple top turnips, peeled and chopped into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: garlic powder, paprika, or other spices of your choice
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a bowl, toss the chopped turnips with olive oil, salt, and pepper until they are evenly coated.
- If desired, add garlic powder, paprika, or other spices to the bowl and toss to combine.
- Spread the turnips out in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Roast the turnips in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender and caramelized.
Tips for Roasting Purple Top Turnips
- Cut the turnips into uniform cubes so that they roast evenly.
- Use a high-quality olive oil to bring out the flavor of the turnips.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet, as this can prevent the turnips from roasting evenly.
- Shake the baking sheet halfway through the roasting time to ensure even browning.
Sautéing Purple Top Turnips
Sautéing is a quick and easy way to cook purple top turnips. Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
- 2-3 purple top turnips, peeled and chopped into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon of butter or oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: garlic, ginger, or other aromatics of your choice
Instructions:
- Heat a skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the butter or oil to the pan and swirl it around to coat the bottom.
- Add the chopped turnips to the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender and lightly browned.
- Season the turnips with salt and pepper to taste.
- If desired, add garlic, ginger, or other aromatics to the pan and cook for an additional minute.
Pickling Purple Top Turnips
Pickling is a great way to preserve purple top turnips and add a tangy flavor to your dishes. Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
- 2-3 purple top turnips, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
- 1 cup of vinegar (white, apple cider, or white wine)
- 1/2 cup of water
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- Optional: garlic, dill, or other spices of your choice
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine the sliced turnips and salt. Let it sit for 30 minutes to allow the turnips to release their excess water.
- Rinse the turnips with cold water to remove excess salt.
- In a saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, and spices (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Pack the turnip slices into a clean glass jar or container. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the turnips.
- Let the pickles cool to room temperature before refrigerating them.
Tips for Pickling Purple Top Turnips
- Use a variety of vinegar that complements the flavor of the turnips.
- Adjust the amount of sugar and spices to your taste.
- Let the pickles sit at room temperature for a few hours before refrigerating them to allow the flavors to meld.
- Store the pickles in the refrigerator and consume them within a few weeks.
Health Benefits of Purple Top Turnips
Purple top turnips are a nutrient-rich food that offers several health benefits. They are low in calories and high in fiber, making them an excellent addition to a weight loss diet. They are also rich in vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, potassium, and manganese. The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds in purple top turnips may help protect against chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
Nutritional Information
Here is the nutritional information for 1 cup of cooked purple top turnips:
- Calories: 36
- Fiber: 4 grams
- Vitamin C: 30% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Potassium: 10% of the DV
- Manganese: 10% of the DV
Conclusion
Purple top turnips are a delicious and nutritious root vegetable that can add flavor and nutrition to various dishes. With their sweet and slightly peppery taste, they are a great addition to salads, soups, stews, and roasted vegetable medleys. By following the cooking methods outlined in this article, you can unlock the flavor and nutrition of purple top turnips and enjoy them in a variety of ways. Whether you boil, roast, sauté, or pickle them, purple top turnips are sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
What are Purple Top Turnips and how do they differ from other turnips?
Purple Top Turnips are a variety of turnip that is known for its sweet and slightly peppery flavor. They differ from other turnips in their unique purple color on top and white color on the bottom. This variety of turnip is also larger in size compared to other turnips, with a more rounded shape.
The flavor and texture of Purple Top Turnips are also distinct from other turnips. They have a sweeter and nuttier flavor, which makes them a great addition to a variety of dishes. The texture of Purple Top Turnips is also firmer and crisper than other turnips, making them ideal for salads, slaws, and other raw preparations.
What are the nutritional benefits of Purple Top Turnips?
Purple Top Turnips are a nutrient-rich food that provides a range of health benefits. They are low in calories and high in fiber, making them a great addition to a weight loss diet. They are also rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and calcium.
In addition to their nutritional benefits, Purple Top Turnips also contain a range of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. These compounds have been shown to have a range of health benefits, including reducing inflammation and improving cardiovascular health. Overall, Purple Top Turnips are a nutritious and healthy addition to a balanced diet.
How do I choose the best Purple Top Turnips at the store?
When choosing Purple Top Turnips at the store, look for turnips that are firm and heavy for their size. Avoid turnips that are soft or have signs of mold or rot. The skin of the turnip should be smooth and free of blemishes.
In addition to checking the physical condition of the turnip, also consider the color and size. Look for turnips with a deep purple color on top and a white color on the bottom. The size of the turnip will depend on your intended use, but generally, larger turnips are better for cooking and smaller turnips are better for salads and slaws.
How do I store Purple Top Turnips to keep them fresh?
To keep Purple Top Turnips fresh, store them in a cool, dry place. The ideal storage temperature is between 32°F and 40°F (0°C and 4°C). You can store turnips in the refrigerator or in a root cellar.
When storing Purple Top Turnips, make sure to keep them away from direct sunlight and heat. You can store them in a plastic bag or a breathable container, such as a paper bag or a mesh bag. If you don’t plan to use the turnips within a few days, you can also store them in the freezer.
What are some popular ways to cook Purple Top Turnips?
Purple Top Turnips can be cooked in a variety of ways, including boiling, steaming, roasting, and sautéing. One popular way to cook turnips is to boil or steam them until they are tender, then serve them as a side dish. You can also roast turnips in the oven with some olive oil and seasonings for a delicious and healthy side dish.
In addition to these methods, you can also use Purple Top Turnips in soups, stews, and casseroles. They add a sweet and nutty flavor to these dishes, and their firm texture holds up well to long cooking times. You can also pickle turnips or use them in salads and slaws for a crunchy and refreshing snack.
Can I eat Purple Top Turnips raw?
Yes, Purple Top Turnips can be eaten raw. In fact, they are a great addition to salads, slaws, and other raw preparations. The raw flavor of turnips is sweet and slightly peppery, and their firm texture adds a nice crunch to salads and slaws.
When eating Purple Top Turnips raw, make sure to peel them first and slice them thinly. You can also use a mandoline or a food processor to slice the turnips into thin strips or julienne. Raw turnips can be used in a variety of dishes, including salads, slaws, and sandwiches.
Are Purple Top Turnips easy to grow at home?
Yes, Purple Top Turnips are relatively easy to grow at home. They are a cool-season crop, which means they prefer to grow in the cooler temperatures of spring or fall. They can be grown in a variety of conditions, including full sun and partial shade.
To grow Purple Top Turnips at home, make sure to choose a location with well-draining soil and a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Sow the seeds in the early spring or late summer, about 1 inch deep and 1 inch apart. Keep the soil consistently moist and fertilize the plants regularly for optimal growth.