They are distinguished by their bulbous white taproot. It has waxy leaves, which are divided into lobes. When it comes to picking the best vegetable of the bunch, opt for ones that feel firm and heavy for their size. Diffen LLC, n.d. Whether you're growing turnips for the greens or the roots, you'll find that they're a versatile and highly nutritious vegetable. Pictured above, the rutabaga is on the left and the turnip is on the right. < >. Stews and soups are made with rutabagas in Australia. They originated in the Middle Ages as a cross between cabbages and turnips, and they've developed into high-yielding, nutritious, easy-to-grow vegetables. It is a cross between a cabbage and a turnip. To stretch the turnip harvest over a two- or three-month period, plant two or three varieties in the first planting. Rutabagas look a lot like turnips, and they, too, can be grown for both their greens and their roots. Whereas, the larger variety is known to be consumed as feed, by the livestock. Southern gardeners often don't even let the roots develop, preferring to grow turnips for the greens, which are served in more ways than you can imagine! This article from Tastessence will provide you with the differences and similarities between these root vegetables, and the various ways they are incorporated in the diet, all over the world. Rutabagas take longer to mature than turnips, but otherwise they grow the same way. Turnips and rutabagas are two lesser known vegetables, but staples in many European diets. The similarity between a turnip and a rutabaga, is their purple crown. Turnip has white skin and white flesh. Both are root vegetables and turnip is colloquially called white turnip because its skin and flesh are both white.. Rutabagas are harvested at larger sizes while turnips are often harvested in smaller sized "baby" turnips. The turnips which are small and tender are cultivated for human consumption. Privacy Policy and Rutabaga has numerous side shoots and is characterized by a distinct crown. Rutabagas are parts of soups, stews, casseroles, baked pastry etc. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Gilbert S Grant/Getty Images. The ideal pH of the soil to cultivate this vegetable should be approximately 5.5 to 7.0. Sign up to receive the latest and greatest articles from our site automatically each week (give or take)...right to your inbox. Both are root vegetables and turnip is colloquially called white turnip because its skin and flesh are both white. You can also harvest some turnips very early as greens, and small roots for eating fresh. Rutabagas are a gardening wonder. The part that protrudes above the ground is slightly purple or greenish in color. Small, tender varieties are grown for human consumption, while larger varieties are grown as feed. The Rutabaga produces a higher amount of above leaves as well, compared to the turnips. Rutabaga is a hybrid of cabbage and turnip and is commonly called yellow turnip because of its yellow flesh. A turnip tastes slightly more bitter than rutabaga. Turnips are used to flavor juice made from carrots and spices in Turkey. Turnip is attributed medicinal properties and is believed to reduce body temperature. The white flesh turns translucent when cooked. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. They are grown in regions that have cooler temperatures. They are cooked with fat pork meat and vinegar. With their large bulbous shape and reddish purple crown, the rutabaga and turnip look pretty similar, but not many people are aware of the differences between them. Rutabaga is a hybrid of cabbage and turnip and is commonly called yellow turnip because of its yellow flesh. There are different types of rutabagas which vary in color―white, purple, yellow, and tan. If you ate a portion of turnip greens and roots daily, you could practically stop taking your daily vitamins. Rutabagas take longer to mature than turnips, but otherwise they grow the same way. Any turnip can be grown for its greens if harvested young, so you don't need to plant special "foliage" varieties, even if you want more greens than roots. Rutabaga is sweeter than a turnip, and also contains more starch than the latter. The vegetable is harvested at larger sizes. Whereas, the larger variety is known to be consumed as feed, by the livestock. These cookies do not store any personal information. This crop was well-known and popularly found in Roman and Hellenistic times. Tap root and leaves are used for human consumption. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. They are larger than turnips, and also have a rougher and tougher skin. They are grown in regions that have cooler temperatures. Whereas, in Iran, turnips are boiled in salt water, and used as a remedy for cough and cold. They are harvested when small. They also have a longer storage life, their root flesh is firmer and they contain more vitamin A than turnips. If the temperature is above 80oF for days at a time, it can cause turnips to mature before their time, giving them a strong, bitter flavor and woody flesh. Rutabagas are harvested at larger sizes while turnips are often harvested in smaller sized "baby" turnips. Our site includes quite a bit of content, so if you're having an issue finding what you're looking for, go on ahead and use that search feature there! The leaves of rutabaga are waxy and smooth and grow from the part that protrudes above the ground. Get together a handful each of turnips, rutabagas, and potatoes, enough to make one or two layers each in a 9-in. Now that you know the difference between a rutabaga and a turnip, how about including these delicious root vegetables in your salads and soups? This crop was well-known and popularly found in Roman and Hellenistic times. Rutabagas are large, more yellowish, and only grow in cool climates. If you read this far, you should follow us: "Rutabaga vs Turnip." These vegetables can be used interchangeably and are known to be the perfect fillers in various meat dishes. Well established crop in Roman and Hellenistic times. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. They are commonly used as pickles in Middle East.