What is it?
Turnips are a root vegetable related to radishes and mustards. They are of a round shape, with a flat top and a root which tapers to a point. Their skin is almost smooth and can be green, or white with green or purple bands at the top. The leaves of turnips can be eaten as a leafy vegetable and their flesh colour is white or yellow with a delicious, tender and sweet flavour. The roots have a strong flavour, but is milder and sweeter when turnips are small and young.  The turnip bulb is very versatile and can be boiled, roasted, mashed with a few dots of butter.

Is it good for me?
Turnips improve appetite so is great as part of a convalescent diet.  Turnips are also high in dietary fibre which is great for constipation, lowering cholesterol and cardiac health. Beta-carotene (changes to Vitamin A in the body) is also found in turnips in rich amounts.
As discussed earlier, the leaves of turnips (turnip greens) can be eaten.  They are a cousin to other health-protective giants including kale, collards, cabbage and broccoli and therefore have many nutritional qualities.  If you are a smoker, or if you are frequently exposed to secondhand smoke, it is important to make vitamin A rich foods, such as turnip greens, part of your healthy way of eating.  This is because research has shown that cigarette smoke induces Vitamin A deficiency.
Vitamin E is a great antioxidant and supports cognitive function.  Turnips and turnip greens are a good source of this Vitamin.  Also, if it is consumed with a little fat, such as olive oil, the body’s ability to absorb vitamin E is increased.  As well as being high in Vitamin E, turnip greens are rich in the other important antioxidants namely Vitamin A and C.  Both are great supporters of the immune system.

How to Store?
If it comes with greens attached, remove the greens before storing the turnip in the crisper compartment of the refrigerator for a couple of weeks. Store greens in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to three days.