So you planted a swede patch this year .
If you ’re anything like me , you are walk through your garden every day , impatiently look the second you may glean and delight the fruit of your labor .
You see those greens growing , and perhaps the bulbs beneath expanding . But when is the right time to harvest ? And what can you do with all this rutabaga once you do pick it from the earth ?
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In this article you will study when and how to harvest rutabaga plant , right storage technique , as well as ways to fix and enjoy this versatile veg .
What You’ll Learn
Let ’s get into it !
When to Harvest
Rutabagas will be quick to reap approximately 90 - 110 solar day after sow , and they smack best if reap after a few light frosts .
you may commence harvesting when source are 2 to 3 inches in diam ; smaller roots will be particularly tender and succulent .
antecedent up to 4 - 5 inches in diam can be harvested , but if you permit them get too big , they can become problematic and fibrous .
The foliage can be harvest as well . you’re able to either reap the leaves along with the root , or harvest young tender greens to begin with for optimal taste .
How to Harvest
harvest home when the grime is dry . Lift or pull tooth root carefully from the terra firma , taking upkeep not to get around or spite them .
If the soil is compress and the works will not draw up easily , you’re able to use a garden branching to cautiously tease apart the soil around the vegetable , being cautious not to damage them .
To glean youthful leaves , cut the attendant outer layer of leave to an column inch or so above the crown . Be sure not to dilute too many leaves from a single plant life , or this could slow the growth of the roots .
If harvest home roots with the leaves still attached , just after pulling up the roots , cut or twist off greens to within 1 column inch of the crown . get rid of the greens before hive away will increase their storage spirit .
Storage Requirements and Methods
It is important to properly store these root veg as shortly as potential upon harvest , to maximize their memory board electric potential .
Once the solution are glean and the greens are removed from the medulla , wipe off each root to absent excess shit . Do not wash them yet , as water can lead to mildew and rotting .
While you are removing dirt and gear up your harvest time for storage , examine each stem . If any are damage or hurt , eat those first as they will not stash away well .
lay in the putting green in an airtight container or zip - top pocketbook in the icebox , and dampen them just before use .
The roots can be salt away in a assortment of way , as long as appropriate light , temperature and wet conditions are met .
Rutabagas should be stash away in a dark location to prevent pullulate . They should be stash away in cool temperatures , as close to 32 ° F as possible without freeze – 32 - 35 ° F is ideal . They also require a high relative humidness of 90 - 95 % , which keep them from wither .
For Storing in the Fridge or Freezer
For icebox storage , wrap roots in dampish fabric or paper towel , place in punch plastic bags , and store in the veg crisper drawer . Roots will keep for 4 to 5 month .
These vegetable can also be flash-frozen , and will keep for up to a year in the deep freezer ! To stop dead and store , first Robert Peel and cut up into cubes .
Next , blanch in boiling body of water for 3 minute . This stops the enzyme action which can cause the roots to lose flavor , texture , and colour . piazza in ice-skating rink urine immediately after boiling , and allowing the pieces to chill and drain before packing into freezer bags or containers . impart 1/2 inch of headspace in each container .
you may also strip , boil , and mash turnip cabbage before storing in deep freezer bags or container . frigid rutabaga will keep for 6 months to 1 year .
For Storing in the Garden
you’re able to leave your craw in the ground through the winter and harvest time as want . This method acting can be a great option because it provide optimal moisture and light levels , and the flavor meliorate with exposure to frigid temperatures !
If storing in this personal manner , make trusted to insulate the soil to keep it from freezing .
You require to keep the soil at 34 - 40 ° F . This can be accomplished by adding a deep , 10- to 12 - column inch layer of mulch such as hay , straw , or leaves over the rowing and along both side of the plants .
Mulch liberally , at least 18 column inch wide . Roots will stay protected this way , even beneath feet of C. P. Snow .
When you are thirsty for some mashed or roasted Brassica napus napobrassica during the winter , just put on your snow boots , march out of doors , and dig up a few theme ! Keep in judgement that it is crucial to reap any remaining roots before plants start growing again in the spring .
Because rutabagas are biennials , the spring climb in temperature and light will initiate the 2d time of year of growth . industrial plant will develop leafage , flowers , and finally get come .
If you do leave behind a few in the ground through the second time of year , you could collect and save the seeds to plant a new crop over the summer ! You canfind more information on growing your own Brassica napus napobrassica here .
For Storing in a Root Cellar, Garage, or Basement
temperature should be between 32 and 40 ° F . Place in bucket or wooden crates with dampish ( not tight ) sawdust , backbone , orpeat moss . ring etymon so that they are insulated and covered .
ensure to space root out so they are not affecting . Do not wholly varnish the container , so that fresh air can circulate .
Check often , and remove any rutabagas that show signs of decay . Roots will keep for 4 - 6 months .
Make a Homemade Root Cellar
If none of the options above work for you , you’re able to make a mini root cellar out of a wooden box or barrel , peat moss or sand , and soft material for insulation such as burlap .
Place a layer of gumption or peat moss in the box , level swedish turnip on top with space between each for atmosphere circulation , and cut across with a bed of burlap sacks filled with more sand or peat moss . Bury the corner most of the way underground , leave alone an scuttle just above the soil control surface for air circulation .
Cooking Tips and Recipes
Though similar to and often unconnected with turnips , swedish turnip have a sweeter flavor .
Like white turnip , be sure to wash and flake aside the tegument before preparing . Once disrobe , you could eat a rutabaga in just about any way you would enjoy a turnip , cultivated carrot , or potato .
They are flavoursome and luscious mash with butter and salt , and are a classic in soups or stew . They can be roast , saute , fry , you name it !
Additionally , they are excellent raw and can tot up a pleasant crispness to salads or coleslaw .
Greens can be eaten raw in salads as well , or fudge in soups or stews . Just washables , chop , and fix !
Want some stirring ? You will have intercourse these autumn - themed recipes for roast root veggies on Foodal !
Thisgeneral templet to roasting root veggies from our babe land site , Foodal , explains how you’re able to blackguard rutabaga to bring out the complex sweet and nutty flavors .
turnip cabbage makes a delectable combo with a variety of root vegetables , and pair nicely with solid principal dishes . Get the recipe on Foodal now .
Get Creative with Homegrown Rutabaga
With these tips in judgment , you will find that harvest , storing , and enjoying your rutabaga crop is easy and fun .
Feel free to experiment . This wonderfully versatile root veggie can really inhale culinary creativeness .
© Ask the Experts , LLC . ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.See our TOSfor more detail . Originally published August 25th , 2019 . Last updated August 13th , 2023 . Uncredited picture : Shutterstock .
About
Heather Buckner
