I am moving slower than normal because of side effects from my second COVID vaccination, so I'm going to be using posts I've done in the past for the next couple of days. Today' post, about rutabagas, I featured not too long ago. To add new content, here's a rutabaga joke from Jokes 4 Us
Q: What kind of socks do you need to plant rutabaga?
A: Garden hose. (You can groan now.)
Rutabagas
I've always been curious about rutabagas. Well, actually, I've never been curious about rutabagas and have never given them much thought until recently when Miss Landers brought some over from her garden for us to try. This was her first time growing them and she was curious about how they compared with turnips, so she also brought turnips that she had grown.
A bit of research revealed that rutabagas are a natural cross between turnips and wild cabbage. They are a relatively new plant in that the first time they are mentioned in literature is in the early 1600's. They go by many names including yellow turnips and swedes because Sweden is a top producer. (Can you guess they like to grow in colder weather?) The name “rutabaga” is derived from an old Swedish word meaning “root bag.”
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| Notice the multiple roots and yellow tint of the rutabaga. |
How about our turnip vs. rutabaga comparison? This is what we observed. Miss Landers said that as she was pulling them (both root vegetables) that the rutabagas seemed to have more roots and root hairs. Both were pungent when raw and smelled like a cross between cabbage and radishes. The rutabaga had a yellow tint to it that intensified when cooked while the turnip remained white.
We were able to convince Ward and Theodore to participate in a taste test after the vegetables were cooked--which was pretty remarkable considering neither one of them like turnips.They weren't too sure that they wanted to sample anything called yellow turnips. However, they did sample them right along with Miss Landers and me.
We all agreed that the rutabaga had a definite potato taste. Theodore said that the rutabaga tasted as if it were a cross between potatoes and brussel sprouts. A fairly apt description. Theodore and I liked the turnips better with their more peppery taste while Ward and Miss Landers liked the rutabagas better with their milder taste and creamier texture.
In conclusion, will I start adding rutabagas to my grocery list on a regular basis? No. But will I now have something new to talk about when there is a lull in the conversation? Yes. :)
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| Notice they white color of the cooked turnips and the yellow color of the rutabaga. |
More sources:
- Rutabaga overview--http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rutabaga
- Rutabaga recipes--http://allrecipes.com/recipes/everyday-cooking/seasonal/winter/rutabaga/top.aspx
- Rutabaga nutrition--http://www.produceoasis.com/Items_folder/Vegetables/Rutabaga.html
- How to grow rutabagas http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/hil/hil-26.html
- A serious and not so serious blog about rutabagas--http://rutablogger.blogspot.com/2011/04/breakthrough-photosnynthesis-stimulate.html
I'm sorry that you are under the weather with your vaccine! Good plan to make your post something simple.
ReplyDeleteI had rutabaga once, oddly enough, at a Boy Scout family night at Boy Scout camp. One of the kids loved them so his mom brought it for the potluck. I think she might have added brown sugar to it--I kinda liked it. The boy's nickname (they all have nicknames when they are at camp) was, aptly, Rutabaga.
I'm starting to feel better. Thank goodness, the side effects are short lived. I don't do well with being sick.
DeleteDid Rutabaga like his nickname or was he annoyed with it?
I think the nicknames are fun for the boys. It gives them a sense of belonging and the leaders discourage anything that smacks of bullying.
DeleteThat's good to hear. Nicknames can be fun and is another persona to use - especially if a boy is an awkward stage still figuring out who he is.
DeleteCongrats on getting the second vaccine. I hope you are feeling better soon!
ReplyDeleteI am so happy to have had the second vaccine. In a couple more weeks, I will feel a little freer.
DeleteI have eaten rutabagas and think they are perfectly fine, but they will never be on my go-to shopping list.
ReplyDeleteWhen raw they resemble an alien!
I wouldn't avoid them, either, but I will not seek them out. I totally get your alien comment. :)
DeleteSorry to hear you are experiencing the side effects; my daughter is, too. Hope you'll feel better, soon. I grew a turnip, this year (just one was all that grew); it was alright, but, I think I prefer potatoes to turnips! Don't think I've eaten rutabagas.
ReplyDeleteThe good thing about the side effects is that they don't last more than a couple of days at most. Hope your daughter is feeling better soon.
DeleteI prefer potatoes over turnips, too. I never met a potato I didn't like. However, I can't say the same about turnips.
Well, you learn something every day on Blogger - I had never heard of the word before!
ReplyDeleteDo you use the name swedes?
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