Maybe you’ve been lured in by some of the fabulous seasonal produce at a farmers market. Maybe you’ve joined a CSA. Maybe you’ve heard good things about rutabagas, or tried them at a restaurant and you’d like to introduce them into the home meal rotation.

And maybe you don’t know exactly how to cook (or shop for or store or prepare) some of the vegetables and fruit you bought home.

So highly fixable! Let’s go!

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What is a Rutabaga?

Rutabagas (sometimes called Swedes in parts of the world) are fairly similar to turnips, with a slightly bitter flavor, and a yellower interior. They are a root vegetable, and actually a cross between turnips and cabbage. Rutabagas are used in all sorts of cuisines, from Scandinavian to British to American.

What Does a Rutabaga Look Like?

They are orb-shaped, sometimes quite round, sometimes a bit more elongated. Rutabagas are often purple on the outside, though the purple usually covers about half of the vegetable, much like a purple topped turnip. The rest of the skin is a yellow-ish white.

What Does a Rutabaga Taste Like?

The fact that rutabagas are a cross between turnips and cabbage is evident in the flavor. The taste is a bit milder than a turnip’s when raw, and buttery and sweet-savory, though still a bit bitter, when cooked. They taste like Yukon Gold potatoes with a lot of attitude.

How Do I Cook Rutabagas?

Rutabagas should be washed and have the waxy skin completely removed before cooking. If you bought them from a farmers market, they might not have the waxy skin so will be easier to peel; if they are small and unwaxed you can also just give them a good scrub and leave the peel on.

They can be eaten raw, but are usually roasted, cooked and mashed (sometimes with potatoes or other root vegetables), and used in casseroles, stews and soups. The leaves can also be eaten, prepared in the same way as turnip tops, or other hearty greens.

How Do I Know Which Rutabagas to Buy?

Look for rutabagas that are large and round, with a thick, smooth, hard skin that needs to be peeled before eating. They should have firm roots and feel heavy for their size. If there are leaves attached they should be smooth and waxy. Smaller rutabagas (less than 4 inches in diameter) have a slightly sweeter flavor than their bigger counterparts.

How Do I Store Rutabagas?

Refrigerate rutabagas, unwashed, in a plastic bag for up to 14 days, or keep them at room temperature for up to a week. Don’t wash them until just before using.

When Are Rutabagas in Season?

Rutabagas are in season October through March.

Are Rutabagas Nutritious?

They are high in Vitamin C, low in calories, a good course of potassium, and high in fiber.

Do you have questions about how to buy, store, prepare, and cook rutabagas? We’ve got lots of answers!

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Try Rutabagas in these Recipes:

Rutabaga recipes, plus recipes with easy rutabaga substitutions!

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