The turnip, often relegated to the background in favor of its more popular root vegetable cousins like carrots and potatoes, holds a surprising depth of flavor. And when we talk about purple turnips, the intrigue deepens. But what exactly does a purple turnip taste like? The answer, as with many culinary questions, is nuanced and depends on several factors, from the variety of turnip to how it’s prepared. Let’s embark on a journey to explore the captivating flavor profile of this vibrant vegetable.
Understanding the Purple Turnip
Before we delve into the taste, it’s essential to understand what constitutes a “purple turnip.” The term can refer to several different varieties of turnips that share a characteristic: a striking purple hue on their upper portion, typically where the root has been exposed to sunlight during growth. The lower part, often buried in the soil, tends to be white or cream-colored.
Varieties of Purple Turnips
Several turnip varieties exhibit this purple coloration. Some common examples include:
- Purple Top White Globe: This is perhaps the most well-known and widely available purple turnip. It’s characterized by a smooth, round shape and a distinct purple shoulder that transitions into a white base.
- Tokyo Top: While not exclusively purple, some Tokyo Top turnips can develop a light purple blush, especially when grown in cooler climates.
- Market Express: This early-maturing variety often exhibits a vibrant purple top.
It’s important to note that the intensity of the purple color can vary depending on growing conditions, soil type, and the specific cultivar.
Nutritional Profile of Purple Turnips
Beyond their visual appeal, purple turnips are packed with nutrients. Like other turnips, they are a good source of:
- Vitamin C: An important antioxidant that supports immune function.
- Fiber: Promotes digestive health and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
- Potassium: An essential mineral for maintaining healthy blood pressure.
- Glucosinolates: These compounds are converted into isothiocyanates, which have been linked to cancer prevention.
- Calcium: Important for bone health.
The purple coloration is due to the presence of anthocyanins, which are powerful antioxidants associated with various health benefits, including reducing inflammation and protecting against chronic diseases.
The Taste of Purple Turnips: A Complex Flavor Profile
Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter: the taste. Describing the flavor of a purple turnip accurately requires considering its various components and how they interact.
Raw Purple Turnip: A Pungent Bite
When eaten raw, purple turnips generally have a sharp, pungent, and slightly bitter flavor. This pungency is due to the presence of glucosinolates. Some people find this bite quite appealing, comparing it to the sharpness of radishes or the peppery notes of arugula. However, others may find it overwhelming. The purple part of the turnip tends to be more intensely flavored than the white part. Younger, smaller turnips tend to be milder than older, larger ones. The skin can also contribute to the bitterness, so peeling the turnip can sometimes mellow the flavor.
Cooked Purple Turnip: A Mellow Transformation
Cooking significantly alters the flavor of purple turnips. The heat breaks down the glucosinolates, reducing the pungency and bitterness. The result is a sweeter, more mellow, and slightly earthy taste. The texture also changes, becoming softer and more tender. Depending on the cooking method, the sweetness can be enhanced further. Roasting, for example, caramelizes the natural sugars in the turnip, creating a richer, more complex flavor. Boiling or steaming tends to produce a milder, more subtle taste.
Factors Influencing Flavor
Several factors can influence the taste of a purple turnip:
- Variety: As mentioned earlier, different varieties of purple turnips have slightly different flavor profiles. Some may be naturally sweeter or more pungent than others.
- Maturity: Younger turnips tend to be milder and sweeter, while older turnips can be more pungent and bitter.
- Growing Conditions: Soil type, climate, and sunlight exposure can all affect the flavor of the turnip. For example, turnips grown in cooler climates tend to be sweeter.
- Storage: Improper storage can lead to turnips becoming bitter or developing off-flavors.
- Preparation Method: As we’ve discussed, cooking method has a significant impact on the taste of turnips.
Culinary Uses for Purple Turnips
Purple turnips are incredibly versatile in the kitchen. Their unique flavor and vibrant color make them a welcome addition to a wide range of dishes.
Raw Applications
- Salads: Thinly sliced or grated raw purple turnips can add a peppery bite and a beautiful visual element to salads. Consider pairing them with other root vegetables, apples, and a tangy vinaigrette.
- Slaws: Purple turnips can be incorporated into slaws, providing a unique flavor contrast to cabbage and other ingredients.
- Crudités: Serve raw turnip sticks with dips for a healthy and flavorful snack.
Cooked Applications
- Roasted: Roasting brings out the sweetness of purple turnips and creates a delicious caramelized flavor. Toss them with olive oil, herbs, and other root vegetables for a hearty side dish.
- Mashed: Mashed purple turnips can be a flavorful and nutritious alternative to mashed potatoes. Combine them with butter, cream, and seasonings for a creamy and comforting dish.
- Soups and Stews: Purple turnips add depth of flavor and texture to soups and stews. They pair well with other root vegetables, meats, and legumes.
- Gratins: Layer sliced purple turnips with cheese and cream for a rich and satisfying gratin.
- Pickled: Pickling mellows the pungency of purple turnips and creates a tangy and flavorful condiment.
Turnip Greens: Don’t Forget the Tops!
While we’ve focused on the root, don’t forget about the turnip greens! Turnip greens are also edible and nutritious, with a slightly peppery flavor similar to mustard greens. They can be sauteed, steamed, or added to soups and stews.
| Cooking Method | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|
| Raw | Pungent, sharp, slightly bitter |
| Roasted | Sweet, caramelized, earthy |
| Boiled/Steamed | Mellow, subtle, slightly sweet |
Tips for Enjoying Purple Turnips
Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your purple turnip experience:
- Choose Wisely: Select turnips that are firm, smooth, and heavy for their size. Avoid turnips that are soft, wrinkled, or have blemishes.
- Store Properly: Store turnips in a cool, dark, and humid place, such as the refrigerator crisper drawer. They can last for several weeks when stored properly.
- Peel or Don’t Peel: Whether or not to peel a turnip depends on your preference. Peeling can reduce bitterness, but the skin also contains nutrients.
- Experiment with Flavors: Purple turnips pair well with a variety of flavors, including butter, cream, herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, and sage), garlic, ginger, and spices (such as nutmeg and cumin).
- Don’t Overcook: Overcooked turnips can become mushy and lose their flavor. Cook them until they are tender-crisp.
Beyond the Taste: The Cultural Significance of Turnips
Turnips have a long and rich history, having been cultivated for thousands of years. They were a staple food in many parts of the world, particularly in Europe, where they provided sustenance during the winter months. In some cultures, turnips are associated with folklore and traditions. For example, in some parts of Europe, turnips are carved into lanterns for Halloween, similar to pumpkins. The humble turnip, therefore, is not just a vegetable; it’s a symbol of resilience, resourcefulness, and cultural heritage.
Conclusion: Embracing the Purple Turnip
The purple turnip, with its vibrant color and complex flavor, is a root vegetable worth exploring. Whether you enjoy its pungent bite raw or its mellow sweetness cooked, the purple turnip offers a unique culinary experience. By understanding its characteristics, experimenting with different preparation methods, and appreciating its rich history, you can unlock the full potential of this often-overlooked vegetable. So, the next time you see a purple turnip at your local farmers market or grocery store, don’t hesitate to give it a try. You might just discover a new favorite ingredient. Embrace the color, savor the flavor, and celebrate the versatility of the purple turnip!
What exactly is a purple turnip?
A purple turnip is a variety of turnip distinguished by its vibrant purple skin, which often fades to white or cream towards the bottom. Internally, the flesh can range from white to pale purple. Like other turnips, it belongs to the Brassica family, which also includes vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, and kale. The purple color comes from anthocyanins, the same antioxidants that give blueberries and red cabbage their color.
Beyond its unique coloration, the purple turnip shares similar characteristics with other turnip varieties. It’s a root vegetable, meaning the edible part is the enlarged root that grows underground. It typically has a round or slightly elongated shape and is known for its crisp texture when raw and its tender, slightly sweet flavor when cooked.
How does the taste of a purple turnip differ from other turnips?
The flavor profile of a purple turnip is generally described as mild and slightly sweet, especially when young. Compared to the more common white turnip, it tends to have a less pungent and earthy taste. Some people detect a subtle peppery note, but it’s usually less pronounced than in other turnip varieties. The texture is similar, crisp when raw and tender when cooked.
The intensity of the flavor can vary depending on the size and age of the turnip. Smaller, younger turnips tend to be sweeter and milder, while larger, older turnips may develop a slightly more bitter or pungent taste. Growing conditions and soil type can also influence the final flavor. However, on average, expect a sweeter, milder experience than a standard white turnip.
What are the best ways to prepare and cook purple turnips?
Purple turnips are versatile and can be prepared in a variety of ways, much like other root vegetables. They can be enjoyed raw in salads, adding a crisp texture and mild flavor. Roasting brings out their sweetness, while boiling or steaming makes them tender. They can also be mashed, added to soups and stews, or even pickled. The vibrant purple skin adds a visual appeal to dishes, though it may fade slightly during cooking.
When preparing purple turnips, start by washing and trimming off the greens, which are also edible and can be cooked like spinach or kale. Peel the turnip if the skin is thick or tough, although young turnips often have thin skin that doesn’t need peeling. Dice, slice, or grate the turnip according to your recipe. Consider pairing them with complementary flavors like butter, herbs (thyme, rosemary), garlic, lemon juice, or maple syrup.
Can you eat the greens of a purple turnip?
Yes, absolutely! The greens of a purple turnip are not only edible but also nutritious and delicious. Similar to other turnip greens, they have a slightly peppery and bitter flavor, reminiscent of mustard greens or kale. They’re a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making them a healthy addition to your diet.
To prepare turnip greens, wash them thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit. You can then sauté them with garlic and olive oil, steam them, or add them to soups, stews, or stir-fries. Remove any tough stems before cooking. They cook relatively quickly, so be careful not to overcook them. The greens can also be eaten raw when they are very young and tender.
Where can I find purple turnips?
Purple turnips may not be as readily available as the common white turnips found in most supermarkets. Your best bet is to check local farmers’ markets, especially during the fall and winter months when root vegetables are in season. Specialty grocery stores or stores that focus on locally sourced produce are also good places to look.
Another option is to try growing your own! Purple turnip seeds are readily available online and in garden centers. They are relatively easy to grow in well-drained soil and a sunny location. Growing your own ensures you have a fresh supply of these colorful and flavorful root vegetables right at your fingertips.
Are purple turnips more nutritious than white turnips?
While both purple and white turnips are nutritious, purple turnips generally offer a slight advantage in terms of antioxidant content. The purple color comes from anthocyanins, which are powerful antioxidants known for their potential health benefits, including reducing inflammation and protecting against chronic diseases. Both types of turnips are low in calories and rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Specifically, both purple and white turnips are good sources of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. Vitamin C supports the immune system, potassium helps regulate blood pressure, and fiber aids digestion. The nutritional content can vary slightly depending on growing conditions and variety, but both are a healthy addition to a balanced diet. Choose the type you prefer based on taste and availability, or enjoy both for variety.
What are some creative ways to use purple turnips in recipes?
Beyond the traditional roasting and mashing, purple turnips can be incorporated into a wide range of creative dishes. Consider adding them to slaws for a vibrant color and crisp texture. Thinly sliced purple turnips can also be pickled for a tangy and colorful condiment. Another option is to spiralize them into noodles for a low-carb alternative to pasta.
For a more unique twist, try incorporating pureed purple turnip into sauces or dips to add a subtle sweetness and a beautiful hue. They can also be roasted alongside other root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes for a colorful and flavorful side dish. Don’t be afraid to experiment and let the vibrant color and mild flavor of purple turnips inspire your culinary creations.