Turnips

Turnips are one of those Winter root vegetables that get little love but can be a truly delicious addition to your next meal. There's little information about their original cultivation, but we do know that back in ancient Rome Pliny the Elder considered the turnip to be one of the most important vegetables of his day. Today, lots of families in the South love stewing up the turnip vegetable or its greens for a warming supper.

If you've never been exposed to cooking turnips, these guys can be a little tricky to choose. To learn more about the cute little turnip, just keep reading.

When shopping for in-season vegetables, turnip isn't the first Winter vegetable to come to mind. The cold-weather crop doesn't win the popularity vote over more tastier or well-known options at the farmers market.

Turnips, however, hold a good deal of nutritional value. One serving of the root (about 1 cup) offers almost as much potassium as a banana, and also contains vitamins C and B, such as thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and B6.

A popular preparation of turnips is as a substitute for mashed potatoes; mashed turnips have far less carbohydrates and calories. You can also slice them thinly and eat them raw in salads, or roast them with a little olive oil. And don't forget the turnip greens, which are also very nutritious. Turnip greens are extremely high in vitamin K — which is important for strong bones and healthy arteries — and antioxidants, not to mention their value as a detox aid. The greens are tasty as a sautéed side or steamed to maintain the most nutrients.

How do you enjoy turnips and turnip greens?

Source: Flickr User maureen lunn

Over the weekend, when the cold, wet drizzle refused to let up, I developed an undeniable desire to load up on starchy, al dente pasta. I couldn't just ditch my resolve to eat only nutrient-rich, wholesome fare, so I came to a compromise by preparing a healthful pasta with root vegetables.

In addition to being full of protein, fiber, and more vitamins than I have room to list, this speedy recipe requires less than an hour from start to finish. The turnips, beets, and yams take advantage of the stovetop, rather than the oven, for timesaving yet tender results. Hoping to scout out a good-for-you comfort dish? You've come to the right place. Get the recipe when you read more.