Rutabaga

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Rootveg rutabaga

It ia Large yellow root of a rutabaga plant used as food, a cruciferous plant with a thick bulbous edible yellow root.

Rutabaga[edit | edit source]

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Neon root veggies
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Carrot and rutabaga
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Rutabaga casserole

Rutabaga is a root vegetable that is similar to turnips but has a slightly sweeter and milder flavor. It is a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, and potassium, and can be a healthy addition to a balanced diet.

Preparation and Culinary Uses[edit | edit source]

Rutabaga can be prepared in a variety of ways, such as:

  • Roasting
  • Boiling
  • Mashing

It is often used in stews and soups, and can also be sliced and eaten raw in salads. Rutabaga is often used in hearty stews and casseroles, and can also be mashed and used as a substitute for potatoes in dishes such as shepherd's pie.

Health Benefits and Medicinal Uses[edit | edit source]

In addition to its culinary uses, rutabaga has a long history of medicinal use in many cultures. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and is often used to treat respiratory issues and digestive problems.

Purchasing and Storage[edit | edit source]

Rutabaga can be found in most grocery stores and specialty markets, either fresh or canned. When purchasing fresh rutabaga, it is important to choose roots that are firm and free from blemishes or soft spots.

Interesting facts about rutabagas[edit | edit source]

Food_mashed_turnips
  • Rutabagas are also known as "Swede" or "yellow turnips".
  • Rutabagas look similar to turnips, as they are both root vegetables.
  • The part of the rutabaga that we eat is the root, which grows underground.
  • Rutabagas are a hybrid of cabbage and turnip.
  • The name "rutabaga" comes from the Swedish word "rotabagge", which means round root.
  • Rutabagas have a violet top and a yellow-tan bottom.
  • To protect themselves from losing moisture and shriveling up, rutabagas have a wax coating.
  • The flesh of rutabagas is pale yellow or tan in color.
  • When cooked, rutabagas turn orange.
  • A ½ cup of cooked rutabaga contains 25% of the recommended daily value for vitamin C, which helps the body form collagen in bones, cartilage, muscle, and blood vessels, and aids in the absorption of iron.
  • Cooked rutabagas only contain 35 calories per ½ cup.
  • Rutabagas are typically larger and sweeter than turnips.
  • Rutabagas can be cooked like potatoes, and mashed rutabagas are delicious.
  • Cooked rutabagas have a potato-like texture.
  • Rutabagas are typically grown in cooler climates.
  • If stored in a cool, dark place, rutabagas can keep for over a month.

Summary[edit | edit source]

Overall, rutabaga is a nutritious and versatile root vegetable that can be used in a wide variety of dishes and has a long history of use in both culinary and medicinal traditions.

References[edit | edit source]

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