Turnip Greens

Name: Turnip greens — the leafy tops of the turnip plant (Brassica rapa subsp. rapa), with a peppery, slightly bitter flavour. Some varieties are grown specially for their greens rather than their roots.

Description

Turnip greens are a traditional food in many cultures, valued for providing fresh greens in cool seasons and for using the whole plant. They are a classic in Southern US cooking, where they are cooked with smoked meat, and the cooking liquid (“pot likker”) is enjoyed too. In Italy, a close relative, cime di rapa (rapini), is a prized spring green.

The leaves are slightly hairy and bitter when mature, so they are usually cooked, while young leaves are milder. They are more nutritious than the root itself.

Main nutrition value

Turnip greens are an excellent source of vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin C, folate and calcium, for very few calories.

How best to be consumed

Turnip greens are cooked until tender, to soften their bitterness.

1. Braise slowly with onion, garlic and smoked ham, then serve with the pot liquor and cornbread.
2. Sauté quickly with garlic, chilli and olive oil, after blanching to reduce bitterness.
3. Add to soups and stews.
4. Use young leaves raw in salads.
5. Remove the tough stems and wash well.

Overconsumption could cause…

Turnip greens are safe and healthy in food amounts.

1. Possible effects on warfarin and similar blood-thinning medicines because of the high vitamin K content, so keep intake steady rather than avoiding them.
2. Bloating and gas from the fibre and fermentable carbohydrates in brassica greens.
3. Possible effects on thyroid function in people with an underactive thyroid or iodine deficiency if very large amounts are eaten raw, since brassicas contain goitrogens; normal cooked servings are fine.
4. Oxalates, which matter for people prone to kidney stones when eaten in very large amounts, and which reduce the absorption of calcium and iron from the leaves.

GroupsLeafy Green VegetablesCruciferous (cabbage family)Low fatLow sodiumRich in folateRich in vitamin ARich in vitamin CRich in vitamin KFresh

Related foodsRocket / ArugulaCurly KaleKaleMustard GreensGai Lan / Chinese BroccoliBaby Bok Choy

Wikipedia — Turnip, used for origin, naming and history: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turnip