Turnips are a versatile root vegetable that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, from roasting and mashing to adding them to soups and stews. Whether you’ve just harvested them from your garden, picked them up at the farmer’s market, or bought them at the grocery store, knowing how to properly store turnips is key to extending their shelf life and maintaining their nutritional value. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about storing turnips, including the best storage methods, how to preserve their freshness, and tips for long-term storage.
Understanding Turnips: What You Need to Know
Before diving into storage tips, it’s important to know a little bit about turnips. These root vegetables come in various sizes and colors, though most are either white, purple, or a combination of both. Turnips have a slightly peppery taste when raw and become sweeter and milder when cooked.
Both the root and the leaves (turnip greens) are edible, but they have different storage needs. The greens are highly perishable and require more immediate attention, while the roots can last for a longer period when stored properly.
Why Proper Storage Matters
Turnips, like other root vegetables, can spoil quickly if not stored correctly. Improper storage can lead to spoilage, moisture loss, or the development of mold and rot. By using the correct storage methods, you can keep your turnips fresh for weeks or even months, depending on how you intend to use them.
Additionally, proper storage helps retain the vegetable’s nutritional content. Turnips are rich in vitamin C, fiber, and other essential nutrients, and keeping them fresh ensures you’re getting the most health benefits when you eat them.
How to Store Fresh Turnips: Short-Term and Long-Term Solutions
There are various ways to store turnips, depending on how long you need to keep them fresh. Below are the best methods for short-term and long-term storage.
1. Storing Turnips in the Refrigerator
a) Store Whole Turnips in the Fridge
The easiest way to store turnips is by placing them in the refrigerator. If you plan to use them within a couple of weeks, this is the best option.
Steps:
- Begin by removing the greens from the turnip root. This step is crucial as the greens draw moisture from the root, causing them to spoil faster.
- Wash the turnip roots thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit, then pat them dry.
- Place the turnips in a perforated plastic bag or a breathable produce bag. Storing them in a plastic bag with holes allows for airflow, preventing excess moisture from building up and causing rot.
- Store the bag in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. This is the coldest part of the fridge, ideal for keeping root vegetables fresh.
Stored this way, turnips can last for up to two weeks in the refrigerator.
b) Storing Turnip Greens
Turnip greens are much more perishable than the roots and should be used sooner. However, you can extend their freshness for a few days by storing them properly.
Steps:
- After cutting the greens from the roots, wash them thoroughly and remove any wilted or damaged leaves.
- Pat the greens dry with a clean towel or use a salad spinner to remove excess moisture.
- Wrap the greens in a damp paper towel to maintain moisture, then place them in a plastic bag or airtight container.
- Store them in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator.
Turnip greens will stay fresh for 3-5 days when stored this way.
2. Root Cellar or Cool Storage for Long-Term Storage
If you have a large quantity of turnips or don’t have enough space in your refrigerator, using a root cellar or a cool, dark storage area is an excellent option for long-term storage.
Steps:
- Start by trimming off the greens but leave a small part of the stem intact to prevent the root from drying out.
- Do not wash the turnips before storing them, as moisture can lead to rot. Instead, gently brush off any dirt.
- Store the unwashed turnips in a wooden crate, a cardboard box, or a basket lined with straw, sawdust, or sand. These materials will help absorb excess moisture and keep the roots dry.
- Keep the container in a cool, dark place with good ventilation. Ideal temperatures for storing turnips in a root cellar or similar storage area range between 32-40°F (0-4°C).
- Humidity should be kept around 90%, as too much moisture can cause the turnips to rot, while too little can cause them to dry out.
In the right conditions, turnips stored in a root cellar can last for 4 to 6 months.
3. Freezing Turnips for Long-Term Storage
If you want to preserve turnips for even longer, freezing them is a great option. Freezing turnips is simple and can help maintain their flavor and texture for up to a year.
Steps:
- Start by peeling the turnips and cutting them into slices or cubes.
- Blanch the turnip pieces by boiling them in water for 2-3 minutes, then immediately transfer them to an ice water bath to stop the cooking process. This helps preserve the color, texture, and nutrients of the turnips.
- Once cooled, drain the turnips thoroughly and pat them dry.
- Spread the turnip pieces out on a baking sheet in a single layer and place them in the freezer until they are solid (this prevents them from sticking together later).
- Transfer the frozen turnips into airtight freezer bags or containers, and label them with the date.
Frozen turnips can last for up to 10-12 months in the freezer.
4. Pickling Turnips
Another creative way to store turnips is by pickling them. Pickling not only extends their shelf life but also adds a tangy flavor that can enhance your meals.
Steps:
- Begin by peeling and slicing the turnips into thin rounds or sticks.
- Prepare a pickling brine by combining vinegar, water, salt, sugar, and any desired spices (such as garlic, dill, or mustard seeds) in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Pack the turnip slices into sterilized jars, leaving a little room at the top, and pour the hot brine over the turnips until they are fully submerged.
- Seal the jars with lids and let them cool to room temperature before storing them in the refrigerator.
Pickled turnips can last for several months when stored in the fridge, and they make a delicious addition to salads, sandwiches, and mezze platters.
5. Canning Turnips
Canning is another long-term preservation method, allowing you to store turnips for up to a year without refrigeration.
Steps:
- Peel and slice the turnips, then blanch them for 2 minutes in boiling water.
- Pack the blanched turnips into sterilized canning jars, leaving 1 inch of headspace at the top.
- Prepare a canning brine (usually water and salt) and pour it over the turnips, covering them completely.
- Seal the jars with lids and process them in a pressure canner for the recommended time (usually about 35 minutes for pint jars).
- Once processed, allow the jars to cool and check the seals before storing them in a cool, dark place.
Properly canned turnips can last for up to a year.
Tips for Storing Turnips
- Inspect regularly: When storing turnips for long periods, check them regularly for signs of spoilage, such as mold, soft spots, or shriveling. Remove any damaged turnips to prevent them from spoiling the others.
- Use older turnips first: When using turnips from storage, use the oldest ones first to ensure none go to waste.
- Avoid moisture: Excess moisture is the enemy of root vegetables, so always ensure turnips are dry before storing them.
Conclusion
Storing turnips properly ensures that you can enjoy this nutritious root vegetable for weeks or even months after purchasing or harvesting them. Whether you choose to refrigerate, freeze, or store them in a cool, dark place, the key is to keep them dry and cool to maintain their freshness. By following the steps outlined above, you’ll have a constant supply of turnips for your favorite recipes, from soups and stews to salads and pickles. With the right storage methods, turnips can be a staple in your kitchen all year long.
