Turnips, a versatile and nutritious root vegetable, are often a topic of interest for gardeners and food enthusiasts alike. With their slightly peppery flavor and hearty texture, turnips make a great addition to soups, salads, and roasted dishes. But if you’re wondering whether turnips are seasonal and when they are available, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll explore turnips’ growing cycles, their peak seasons, and how to enjoy them throughout the year.
1. What Are Turnips?
Before diving into their seasonality, it’s helpful to understand what turnips are and where they fit in the world of vegetables. Turnips are part of the Brassica family, which also includes vegetables like cabbage, kale, and Brussels sprouts. They are typically grown for their edible roots, but turnip greens (the leafy tops) are also a delicious and nutritious component that can be cooked in a variety of ways.
Turnips come in different shapes and sizes, with the most common varieties being round with a purple and white exterior. Their roots are known for their mild flavor, which becomes sweeter after a frost. Whether consumed raw, roasted, mashed, or pickled, turnips are a versatile ingredient that can enhance many dishes.
2. When Are Turnips in Season?
Turnips as a Cool-Weather Crop
Turnips are considered a cool-weather crop, which means they grow best in mild temperatures, generally between 50-75°F (10-24°C). As a result, turnips are often categorized as a seasonal vegetable, with specific growing periods in the spring and fall.
- Spring Season: In most regions, turnips are planted in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked. This is typically from late March to early May, depending on your location. Turnips planted during this time are usually ready for harvest in late spring, between May and June.
- Fall Season: Turnips thrive even better in the fall. For fall harvests, they are typically planted from mid-July to September, allowing them to mature as the weather cools. These fall turnips are harvested from October to November, making this their peak season for flavor.
Turnips have a short growing cycle, maturing in 30-60 days, depending on the variety. This makes them an ideal crop for gardeners looking to squeeze in a second planting after summer crops have been harvested.
Peak Season for Turnips: Fall and Early Winter
While turnips can be grown and harvested in both spring and fall, their true peak season is during the cooler months of fall and early winter. After the first frost, turnips develop a natural sweetness that enhances their flavor, making them especially desirable during this time. Frost causes the starches in the root to convert into sugars, resulting in a sweeter and less bitter taste.
If you’re looking for the best-quality turnips, fall and early winter are ideal times to buy them fresh from local farmers’ markets. Turnips harvested during this period will generally have the most tender and flavorful roots.
3. Can You Buy Turnips Year-Round?
While turnips are at their best in fall and early winter, they are available year-round in most grocery stores. Thanks to modern agricultural practices and global supply chains, turnips are often imported from regions with different growing seasons, allowing for continuous availability. However, the quality and flavor of turnips bought out of season may not be as rich as those harvested in their natural growing window.
If you’re buying turnips in the off-season (like summer), keep in mind that their flavor may be milder and their texture slightly firmer. They will still work well in most recipes, especially if you’re planning to roast or cook them.
4. How to Store Turnips for Extended Use
If you’ve harvested or bought turnips in season and want to enjoy them beyond their peak, proper storage is key. Turnips are fairly hardy and can be stored for weeks or even months if handled correctly.
Storing Turnip Roots
Turnip roots can be stored in a cool, dark place such as a root cellar, basement, or refrigerator. Follow these steps for optimal storage:
- Trim the greens: If the turnips still have their greens attached, trim them off before storage, as they will draw moisture from the root.
- Store in a plastic bag: Place the turnip roots in a perforated plastic bag or wrap them in a damp paper towel, then store them in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. This will help maintain their moisture and prevent them from drying out.
- Ideal temperature: Keep turnips at a temperature between 32-40°F (0-4°C) for the best longevity. They can last up to 2-3 months when stored properly.
Freezing Turnips
For long-term preservation, turnips can also be frozen. Here’s how to do it:
- Blanch the turnips: First, peel and cut the turnips into cubes or slices. Blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes to stop enzyme activity and preserve their texture.
- Cool in ice water: Immediately transfer the blanched turnips to an ice water bath to cool down and stop the cooking process.
- Dry and pack: Drain and pat the turnips dry, then pack them into airtight freezer bags or containers. Label them with the date and freeze.
- Storage time: Frozen turnips will last for up to 8-10 months.
Storing Turnip Greens
Turnip greens should be treated similarly to other leafy greens like spinach or kale. Store them in a plastic bag in the fridge and use them within a week for the freshest taste. If you’d like to store turnip greens for a longer period, they can also be blanched and frozen for later use.
5. How to Grow Turnips Year-Round in Different Regions
Turnips can be grown year-round in certain climates or with the help of indoor gardening techniques like cold frames, greenhouses, or even hydroponic systems. Depending on where you live, the growing season for turnips may extend beyond the traditional spring and fall.
Cooler Climates
In cooler climates, such as the northern U.S. or Canada, turnips are mainly grown in spring and fall. However, with the use of row covers or cold frames, you can extend the growing season into early winter. These methods help protect the plants from frost while maintaining the ideal growing temperatures.
Warmer Climates
In warmer regions, like the southern U.S., you can plant turnips in the fall and winter months when the temperatures are milder. Turnips grown in hot weather may develop a stronger, more bitter flavor, so it’s best to plant them when the days are cooler.
Greenhouses and Indoor Growing
If you’re an avid gardener who enjoys having fresh vegetables year-round, growing turnips in a greenhouse or indoors can be a viable option. These controlled environments allow you to replicate the ideal growing conditions for turnips regardless of the season.
6. Cooking with Seasonal Turnips
Seasonal turnips offer an incredible flavor, especially when harvested after the first frost. Here are some ways to make the most of turnips during their peak seasons:
- Roasted Turnips: Toss fall-harvested turnips in olive oil, salt, and herbs, then roast them in the oven until they’re golden and caramelized.
- Turnip Gratin: Use sweet, frost-kissed turnips in a creamy gratin dish layered with cheese for a comforting winter meal.
- Turnip Soup: Make a hearty turnip soup by blending cooked turnips with potatoes, broth, and cream. This is a perfect dish for cold-weather months.
- Turnip Salad: In the spring, thinly slice raw turnips and toss them into a fresh salad with lemon dressing for a crisp, refreshing side.
Conclusion
Turnips are indeed seasonal, with their best flavor and texture found during the cooler months of fall and early winter. Though available year-round, fall-harvested turnips offer a sweeter, more complex taste due to the frost’s impact on the root. Whether you grow them in your garden or purchase them from the store, turnips can be enjoyed in a variety of delicious dishes. By properly storing and preserving turnips, you can extend their shelf life and savor their goodness well beyond their peak season.
