10 Inspiring and Delicious Turnip Greens Recipes

All About Turnip Greens

If you’ve ever been mystified by the leafy greens at your local farmer’s market or grocery store, you aren’t alone. Among the bevy of nutritious vegetables, there is one verdant player that is often overlooked – The humble turnip greens.

What are Turnip Greens?

Turnips, hailing from the Brassica family, which also includes kale and broccoli, are bulbous root vegetables complimented by their leafy greens that are both edible and nutritiously valuable – these are the ‘turnip greens’. While many of us are quick to see turnips as a worthy substitute in our potato dishes, their leaves often get left behind, or worse, discarded, which is indeed a travesty of gastronomic proportions!

Nutrition and Health Benefits

The health benefits of turnip greens are numerous and impressive, to say the least. They are an exceptional source of Vitamin A, Vitamin K and Vitamin C. In addition, they provide a significant amount of calcium, iron, and dietary fiber. Healthline details just how rich these unassuming leaves are in antioxidants which can combat inflammation in the body and foster overall health wellbeing.

Beyond these generic nutrients, the Greens of Turnips are a rich source of Glucosinolates, nutrients that could potentially have anti-cancer properties. While research on this is still underway, consuming these greens as part of a balanced diet could contribute to long-term health benefits.

In World Cuisine

Turnip greens play a vital role in many global cuisines. These nutrient-loaded leaves are often used in southern American cuisine, Portuguese recipes, as well as in Indian regional kitchens, where they are cooked with an assortment of spices and other vegetables. The next time you spot these leafy greens at your local grocery store, why not give them a try? Your body will thank you, and your palate will be pleasantly surprised.

In conclusion, don’t let the abundance of kale, spinach, and chard in the leafy-green universe push the humble turnip greens into obscurity. Embrace them for the nutritional punch they pack, and you’ll find your meals reaching new ‘heights’ of health and taste!