December 9, 2018
New Veggie - Rutabaga
By Linda Dansbury

Did you wonder what the new veggie - rutabaga - was in the pick up this past week? It is obviously another root veggie. It is in the same family as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and turnip. It was developed in the middle ages and is thought to have come from a cross between a turnip and cabbage. I think it is sweeter than either. Rutabaga is an excellent source of vitamin C and potassium, and a good source for fiber, thiamin, vitamin B6, calcium, magnesium, vitamin A and manganese. It is used a lot in northern European countries in combination with carrots and potatoes as a mix of mashed veggies with butter, pepper, and sometimes stocks. It is also added to stews and soups. Rutabagas are popular in the northern US and also in Canada but I don't see it in our geography very often.

To store, they do well in a sealed plastic bag in the fridge - if you are fortunate enough to have a root cellar, store them there.

Try making mashed rutabaga using your favorite mashed potato method or recipe - or mix in some potatoes, carrots and/or sweet potatoes. Yum!! They are also delicious roasted, as I have described in other newsletters, either alone or mixed with lots of other veggies.

Enjoy this healthy new veggie!