What is it?

Because they’re sometimes marketed as yellow turnips or wax turnips, rutabagas are frequently confused with turnips. Both of these root vegetables are members of the Brassica family, which includes cabbages, but the rutabaga is probably a hybrid of a cabbage and a turnip.

Rutabagas usually have yellow flesh and a purple-tinged yellow skin, and they’re bigger than turnips. Both vegetables have a slightly sweet but snappy flavor reminiscent of cabbage, but rutabagas are sweeter.

How to choose:

Choose firm rutabags that feel heavy for their size.

How to prep:

Before peeling a rutabaga, trim off the top and bottom; this gives you a flat surface on which to stand the vegetable and will eliminate wobbling. Rutabagas are often sold coated in food-grade wax, so a paring knife—rather than a vegetable peeler—is the best option for peeling.

How to store:

If the greens are still attached when you buy your rutabaga, remove them before storing the bulb in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Recipes

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  Recipe

  Cheesy Rutabaga and Potato Mash

  Rutabagas add an attractive golden hue and rustic texture to mashed potatoes.

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  Recipe

  Creamy Rutabaga and Tomato Soup with Chive Oil and Smoked Almonds

  Rutabaga gives this elegant soup nice body and a peppery undertone that works well with the smoked-almond garnish.

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  Recipe

  Roasted Rutabaga, Mushrooms, and Onions with Mustard Seeds and Maple

  Whole mustard seeds add a crunchy pop of flavor to maple syrup-sweetened vegetables, while fresh dill brightens the dish.

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  Recipe

  Beef Stew with Horseradish Mustard and Ale

  This hearty stew calls for some nice, toasted crusty bread.

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  Recipe

  Roasted Rutabaga, Apple, and Squash Salad with Feta

  This salad gives winter vegetables a kiss of the warm Mediterranean with a topping of feta, pine nuts and raisins.Customize your own recipe: Create Your Own Hearty Roasted Vegetable Salad

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  Recipe

  Roasted Winter Vegetable and Pear Salad with Cheddar and Almonds

  A ginger-lemon vinaigrette makes for a tart contrast with the sweet roasted root vegetables and pears in this salad.Customize your own recipe: Create Your Own Hearty Roasted Vegetable Salad

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  Recipe

  Celery Root and Rutabaga Mash

  It’s hard to believe that this elegant purée begins with two of autumn’s most humble-looking roots. This mash would be excellent with roast chicken or turkey or even red-wine-braised short…

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  Recipe

  Shaved Rutabaga and Turnip Salad with Scallions

  A lovely balance of bitter and bright, this salad makes a wonderful accompaniment to rich meats.

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  Recipe

  Vegetable Curry and Black Rice

  This is an American adaptation of the different spice blends of curry in India. You can jazz it up with black rice.

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  Recipe

  Mashed Potato and Rutabaga Gratin

  Rutabaga gives this surprisingly light and fluffy gratin a delicious earthy note. Bake it in a dish that you’re happy to take to the table.