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Japanese Turnips
Inventory, bunch : 0
Description/Taste
Japanese turnips are small, white, globe-shaped roots with a single straight tendril tail resembling a radish. Its tender skin is crisp with a sweet and a slightly fruity flavor. The Japanese greens have light stems with green round frilly-edged leaves. Japanese turnip greens are edible as well and have a similar taste to mustard greens.
Seasons/Availability
Japanese turnips are available during fall and winter.
Current Facts
Japanese turnips are part of the Brassica Rapa species. The Japanese turnip is also known by the names of hakurei turnip, Tokyo turnip, kabu, and salad turnip. The Japanese turnip is considered to have a sweet taste, however turnips contain a chemical called cyanoglucosides, which may cause turnips to taste incredibly bitter depending on your genetic makeup. The taste of turnips you perceive is determined by whether you inherited genes that are sensitive to cyanide.
Nutritional Value
Turnips are a great source of vitamin C. Their leafy greens are even more nutritious and offer vitamins A, C, and K as well as folate and calcium.
Applications
The Japanese turnip is unlike other turnips in that they can be eaten raw. In fact, it is said they are best eaten raw. The Hakurei turnip has a tender skin that does not require peeling, only scrub well before taking a bite or shaving onto a salad. Hakurei turnips pair well with many foods, including their own greens, and can also be sliced into wedges, sautéed, roasted, quick pickled, boiled or added to soup or stew. When they are cooked they produce a buttery flavor and their sweetness is enhanced.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Turnips are one of the oldest vegetables to be cultivated. In 16th century Europe they were chosen as the “vegetable of nobility” and can be found displayed on the coat of arms for several royal families and townships. Turnips were also traditionally used in Celtic festivals as lanterns, hollowed out like pumpkins for Halloween.
Geography/History
While turnips in general have been around for centuries, Japanese turnips are a newer variety. Japanese turnips were cultivated in Japan in the 1950s when there was famine caused by World War II. Now the Japanese turnip is renowned for having a distinguished and delicate flavor. Japanese turnips grow rather quickly and should be pulled when young and reach 2 inches in diameter. They can withstand moderate frost but are subject to pests including flea beetles and root maggots; floating row covers can be added during sowing to deter pests. Turnips with greens can be stored at a temperature of 32 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 14 days. Turnips can also be stored frozen either in raw cubes or fully cooked or mashed.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Japanese Turnips. One
is easiest, three is harder.Recently Shared
People have shared Japanese Turnips using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Sharing allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
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Poway Farmers Market
Near Poway, California, United StatesAbout 34 days ago, 8/19/23 Sharer's comments : Sage Hill Ranch Gardens 
Solana Beach Farmer's Market
Near Solana Beach, California, United StatesAbout 131 days ago, 5/14/23 Sharer's comments : JR Organics 
Laguna Beach Farmers Market
Near Laguna Beach, California, United StatesAbout 146 days ago, 4/29/23 Sharer's comments : JR Organics 
Hillcrest Farmers Market
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 250 days ago, 1/15/23 Sharer's comments : At Valdivia Farms 
Specialty Produce
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock St Suite 150 San Diego CA 92110 619-295-3172 https://specialtyproduce.com About 383 days ago, 9/04/22 Sharer's comments : Tokyo Turnips from JR Organics 
Poway Farmers Market
Sage Hill Ranch Gardens
Near Poway, California, United StatesEscondido, CA About 454 days ago, 6/25/22 
Poway Farmers Market
D'Acquisto Farms
Near Poway, California, United StatesSan Diego, CA About 559 days ago, 3/12/22 Sharer's comments : Japanese salad turnips - ONLY 2 left 😆 
Virginia Park Farmer's Market
County Line Harvest
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 602 days ago, 1/29/22 Sharer's comments : Japanese Turnips from County Line Harvest 
Virginia Park Farmer's Market
County Line Harvest
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 622 days ago, 1/08/22 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Valdivia Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United States1-760-310-0334 About 654 days ago, 12/08/21 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 670 days ago, 11/21/21 Sharer's comments : Japanese Turnips from McGrath Family Farms 
Specialty Produce
SpecialtyProduce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock street San Diego CA 92110 619-295-3172 About 728 days ago, 9/24/21 Sharer's comments : Japanese turnips from Jr Organics |
