Rutabaga-American Purple Top

Brassica napus

A large heirloom root crop with green leaves, and a purple-topped round yellow root. The sweet creamy yellow flesh turns orange when cooked. Seeds should be sowed directly into garden or planter, will reseed themselves, and are attractive to pollinators. Rutabagas are actually a cross between a turnip and a cabbage, believe it or not. They are known for being popular in Sweden, and are actually known by the rest of the world as "swedes". American Purple Top is not only a delight to grow in the garden, but is a sweet delicious treat to harvest. They can be baked, roasted, boiled, or used as a tasty addition to a soup. Rutabaga also has many health benefits. They not only contain Vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, fiber, calcium, protein, iron, and zinc, but are known to help lower blood pressure, aid in healthy digestive function, benefit skin, among many other benefits. Here are some great recipes to help get you started.