Rutabaga – All You Need to Know | Instacart Guide to Fresh Produce

What is rutabaga?

A member of the Brassica (cabbage) family, this crisp, juicy root vegetable, also called swedes, is a cross between a turnip and a cabbage. Unlike their close cousin turnips, which are white and purple on the outside with white flesh, rutabagas are bigger and yellowish on the outside with dense, yellow flesh. Admittedly a bit homely and unassuming, this chunky, yellow-purple root vegetable really deserves more attention.

Humble yet highly nutritious, rutabaga is a good source of complex carbohydrates and makes a perfect addition to hearty stews, soups, and casseroles. This cold season root vegetable is an absolute comfort food must.

This easy-to-grow vegetable should be a staple for the modern shopper. If you haven’t tried rutabaga yet, take your first step and have it delivered to your doorstep. Or order some more if you already tasted this chunky root vegetable with a funny name.

Where did rutabaga originate from?

Rutabagas originated in Scandinavia and were brought to America in the 19th century when European immigrants settled here. That’s why it’s sometimes called a swede. The name comes from rotabagge, which in Swedish means “baggy root.”

What is the nutritional value of rutabaga?

This often under-appreciated root crop is highly nutritious. High in fiber and immune-boosting vitamin C, it also contains a good mix of minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, and zinc.

With high protein content, rutabagas can be a good source of protein for vegetarians. With a lower glycemic index than potatoes, they can also be a great alternative to spuds for people with diabetes or anyone who wants to watch their carb intake.

One cup of rutabaga cut in cubes contains only 51.8kcal and 12.1g of carbs, making it a perfect low-cal and low-carb substitute for potatoes. With 1.51g of proteins, they are a decent source of protein among veggies.

How is rutabaga grown?

Rutabaga is grown worldwide—especially in areas where it’s cold, including its home Northern Europe and the Northern US and Canada. They’re usually planted 1 to 2in apart in late May or early June. After a few weeks, they’ll need to be thinned to let the roots grow better. They’ll thrive with 1in of water per week.

When is rutabaga in season?

Rutabagas are harvested in late fall, usually between October and November, or 3 to 4 months after sowing. By that time, the roots reach 3 to 5in in diameter.

They are cool-season vegetables that grow best at temperatures between 60°F and 65°F. The flavor deteriorates at temperatures higher than 80°F, and they won’t taste as good.

What should I look for when buying rutabaga?

Pick rutabagas heavy for their size and don’t have any soft spots, blemishes, or cuts. Rutabagas usually have crevices around the top, but that’s normal. Good rutabagas should be between 3 to 5in in diameter at the top. Bigger ones are too tough, and smaller ones can be more bitter.

Ripe rutabaga has purple-tinged skin, which, when scratched, reveals yellow flesh beneath. Pick ones with smooth skin and without bruises and sprouts. Green shoots usually mean rutabaga is overripe.

Keep in mind that this root vegetable is often coated in paraffin, a food-grade wax, to extend its shelf life. You can easily remove it with a carrot peeler before use.

You can use this information to provide valuable tips to your shoppers in Instacart on how to pick your rutabaga, so you get a perfect one for your salad or stew.

If you are looking to have your groceries delivered, you can easily shop for cabbage via Instacart. After adding a product to your cart, use the “Instructions” option to notify your Instacart shopper about any preferences or specific directions on how to choose the best products. Shop rutabaga now.

How to store rutabaga

It’s best to store rutabagas unwashed in a plastic bag in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator. Like this, they should last for up to 2 weeks, but make sure you provide some ventilation to prevent sprouting. They can last up to 6 months in the right conditions—for example, in a dark, cool place like a root cellar or non-heated garage.

They can be kept frozen for 6 months to a year. If you want to freeze rutabagas, wash them first using water and a vegetable brush. Peel and chop rutabagas into cubes, then blanch them in boiling water, and they’re ready for freezing.

How to tell if rutabaga is bad

Good rutabaga feels firm to the touch. In contrast, shriveled rutabaga with loose skin or soft spots means it’s not fresh. You might be able to cut out a soft spot here and there, but if the whole root is wilted and mushy, it’s best to find another one.

How to use rutabaga

Easy to prepare and very nutritious, rutabagas are used in many cuisines—fresh or cooked.

Due to their firm texture and gentle flavor, rutabagas are very versatile and can be served in various ways.

With a delicate sweetness and a hint of pungent flavor, this hearty, dense root vegetable is great for roasting, sautéeing, baking, and even frying. Imagine guilt-free fries! You can indulge in the crispy texture with rutabaga fries while not worrying about the calory or carb content so much—especially if you make sure you cut down on oil.

You can also mash them with potatoes or carrots or cut them up in soups, casseroles, and stews. They can be mixed with other root vegetables you can select from Instacart.

What can I substitute for rutabaga?

If you find you’ve run out of rutabaga, do not despair! You don’t have to nip to the shops in the middle of cooking dinner—now you can order it and have it delivered in no time.

In case you want to try out a rutabaga sub, the closest replacement in cooking is their cousin, turnips. A couple of other vegetables can also provide the same crunchy feel:

• Kohlrabi
• Daikon radish
• Celery root 

Check out other fresh vegetables.

Venture out and discover rutabaga, a culinary hidden gem

Rutabaga offers so much nutrition and flavor packed into one root veggie. If you follow a specific diet, such as plant-based or low carb, it can offer even more perks. But it’s still one of those overlooked and rarely talked about vegetables.

This unsung culinary hero can bring so much flavor and guilt-free culinary pleasure to your next meal. Perk up your pot pie or bring some texture to your crunchy salad. Shop rutabaga now.

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