The Differences between Rutabagas and Turnips
Originally posted in 2007, by A.J.P.Out of all the vegetables, these two seem to draw the most confusion. These would be the Turnip (Brassica Rapa) and the Rutabaga (Brassica napobrassica). Yes, these are two different vegetables but somewhat related. The theory is that the Rutabaga is a cross between a turnip and cabbage.
Before the 17th century, it would be the turnip (or rape) that cookbooks would be referring. The rutabaga, which likely only developed sometime around the late 16th century, only has it's first mention by the first half of the 17th century.
Turnip and Rutabaga Differences:
- The turnip has 20 chromosomes
- The rutabaga has 38 chromosomes
- Turnips can have yellow flesh but are mostly white fleshed
- Rutabagas are known to have yellow flesh but can have white flesh
- Rutabaga leaves are smooth
- Turnip leaves are rough and sparse
- The root of a turnip is less dense than the rutabaga and lacks a neck
Here are a few images of Turnips
(note that the 6th image, seen at the end of the 2nd row, is from a 16th century painting)
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Here are a few images of Rutabagas
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