Turnips

In season in SW Michigan

In season

Months from the MSU Extension seasonal availability guide. Weather shifts dates a little each year.

Key nutrients

%DV uses FDA Daily Values for adults and children 4+. Values are USDA lab averages scaled to the serving; your harvest may differ.

Wellness

A cup of cooked turnip cubes has about 34 calories, 18 mg of vitamin C (20% DV) and 3.1 g of fiber (11% DV). That makes it a good source of fiber. (USDA) The NIH Office of Dietary Supplements says the body needs vitamin C to make collagen, which helps wounds heal, and that vitamin C improves absorption of iron from plant foods and helps the immune system work properly. (NIH ODS) Harvard's Nutrition Source says fiber, especially the insoluble kind, helps food move through the digestive system, and soluble fiber may help lower cholesterol. (Harvard)

Pick, store and use

• Pick

  For freezing, choose small to medium, firm turnips that are tender and mild. (MSU Extension)

• Store

  Turnips keep 2 weeks in the fridge, or 8–10 months frozen. Scrub off soil with a vegetable brush before using. (MSU Extension)

• Freeze

  Peel, cut into ½-inch cubes and blanch before freezing. (MSU Extension)

Where to get it nearby

No farm in our directory lists turnips by name yet. Many farm markets carry more than their listing says, so it's worth asking.

See all farms →