Salad Turnips

“The Salad Turnip is a special veggie. It’s nothing like the classic turnip, actually. It’s soft enough, even when raw, to cut with a butter knife.” - Driftless Organics

 A turnip isn't something you typically think to add to a salad. But salad turnips are the perfect size and texture to add an element of interest to your bowl of healthy greens!

Five Fun Facts

• Salad turnips are also called Japanese or Hakurei turnips.
• Turnips are a root vegetable and are related to the mustard family.
• Turnips can be eaten by both humans and cattle.
• During WW2, the wheat shortage made people turn to turnip flour for making bread.
• The Irish carved turnips into jack-o-lanterns rather than pumpkins.

Nutrition Info

Salad turnips are a good source of:

• Vitamin C
• Potassium
• Manganese
• Vitamin B6
• Calcium

Salad turnip greens are a good source of:

• Vitamin K
• Vitamin C
• Provitamin A
• Folate

Benefits

Salad turnips may be beneficial in the following ways:

• Anti-inflammatory benefits
• Enhances heart health
• Increases bone strength
• Maintaining vision
• Improves circulation
• Boosts immune system
• Promotes regularity
• Fights cancer 

Cautions

• It’s unusual to be allergic to turnips. However, if you develop hives, itching, or swelling after eating turnips, consult a doctor.
• As a high fiber food, turnips may cause gas. Increase your intake of high-fiber foods slowly and drink plenty of water.
• Those with thyroid conditions should not eat more than two servings of turnips a day, and should have them cooked rather than raw.

Suggested Recipes

Maple Pecan Vinaigrette Salad with Japanese Salad Turnips - Vegan, Gluten-Free
Braised Salad Turnips - Vegetarian, Low-Calorie, Gluten-Free
Roasted Salad Turnips - Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Maple Glazed Salad Turnips and Carrots - Gluten-Free
Easy Salad Turnip Gratin - Vegetarian, Gluten-Free  

For the Kids and Kids-at-Heart

Download this activity sheet to create some celery stick people!

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