Two root vegetables that are crunchy and healthy. But are they even from the same vegetable family? And which is better? Turnip vs. radish – let’s break it all down!
Radishes and turnips are both root vegetables that belong to the Brassicaceae family, which also includes other vegetables like cabbage and broccoli. These vegetables are known for their edible roots, which come in various shapes, sizes, and colors. While radishes and turnips share some similarities due to their botanical relationship, they also have distinct characteristics that set them apart.
Origin and History
Radishes: We believe radishes originated in Southeast Asia, particularly in regions that are now modern-day China and Japan. They have a long history of cultivation dating back thousands of years. The exact timeline of radish domestication is not well-documented, but they were known to be cultivated in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. They were likely carried by nomadic people from Asia to the Mediterranean region thousands of years ago.
Radishes were appreciated for their quick growth and ability to thrive in various climates, making them a staple in many cultures. Today radishes are grown in most states in the USA, but California and Florida are the largest producers.
Turnips: Like radishes, turnips are an ancient vegetable with a complex history. They are believed to have originated in the eastern Mediterranean and were one of the first vegetables to be cultivated in ancient times. The wild turnip, from which cultivated turnips were developed, is native to a wide region including Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Turnips played a significant role in European diets during the Middle Ages and beyond, as they were easy to grow, thrived in cold climates, and provided a reliable source of sustenance. They were commonly used as animal fodder, but served as a dietary staple during times of scarcity like wars and famines.
Both radishes and turnips have evolved over centuries through cultivation and selective breeding to produce a wide variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and flavors. Today, they are enjoyed globally in various culinary dishes, from salads and soups to roasted and pickled preparations.
Appearance
Radish: Radishes are small, round or elongated vegetables with a crisp and crunchy texture. They are often vibrant red or pink in color, but they can also be found in white, purple, and black varieties.
Turnips: Unlike radishes, turnips are generally larger than radishes and have a more bulbous appearance. They come in various colors, including white, yellow, purple, or a combination of colors. The edible parts of a turnip are both the root and the leafy greens on top. The root of a turnip is denser and more substantial compared to a radish.
Flavor and Texture
What does a radish taste like: Radishes have a crisp and watery texture with a refreshing bite. Their flavor can range from mildly peppery to quite spicy, depending on the variety. The spiciness is often more pronounced in the skin and outer layer of the radish, while the inner flesh tends to be milder. The leaves of radishes are also edible and can add a slightly peppery taste to dishes.
What do turnips taste like: Turnips, on the other hand, offer a denser texture that becomes tender when cooked. The flavor of turnips is generally mild and slightly sweet, especially when they are cooked. Young turnips tend to be sweeter and more delicate in flavor, while older turnips can have a slightly stronger taste. Turnip greens can range from mild to peppery and a bit bitter. This largely depends on their maturity when harvested. The greens are mild when young, but grow more peppery with age.
Radish Vs Turnip Culinary Uses
Radishes: Radishes are often enjoyed raw in salads, slaws, sandwiches, and appetizer platters. Sliced, diced, or shaved, radishes contribute a vibrant crunch that balances the textures and flavors of your cooking. Their sharp taste can also provide a zesty contrast when used in tacos, soups, spring rolls, sushi, or just as a garnish. Beyond their raw form, radishes can be pickled for a tangy and spicy condiment. You can also roast or air fry radishes like you would other vegetables. Look here for new recipe ideas for radishes.
Turnips: Turnips are versatile vegetables that can be used in various ways. They can be boiled, steamed, roasted, or mashed, and are often used in soups, stews, and stir-fries. The greens of turnips are edible and can be used similarly to other leafy greens in sautés and salads.
Storage
Radishes: Storing radishes is pretty easy. Put them in your refrigerator’s crisper drawer. Radishes can be stored for up to a couple of weeks, but they are best consumed sooner to retain their crispness. Can you freeze radishes? Absolutely, but you have to blanch them before freezing to preserve the quality, texture, and flavor, and also to stop the ripening process. If you don’t blanch them they might be mushy once thawed.
Turnips: Storing turnips is the same, right to the crisper drawer. They typically last a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on their freshness when purchased. Can you freeze turnips? Like radishes, the answer is yes. Turnips freeze well, and can be frozen diced and blanched, mashed, or roasted.
Varieties
Radishes: Over time, numerous radish varieties were developed by farmers or sometimes just by nature. Some were bred to have larger bulbs, distinct colors, or better taste. Here are some of the most common types of radishes you might find.
- Black Spanish
- Cherry Belle
- Chinese Red Meat
- Daikon
- Easter Egg
- French Breakfast
- German Giant
- Green Meat
- Malaga Violet
- Pink Beauty
- Plum Purple
- Red Globe (probably the most commonly found radish in the USA)
- Sparkler
- Watermelon Radish
- White Icicle
- Zalata
Turnips: Early turnips were primarily grown for their leaves, which were used as a vegetable green. Over time, through selective breeding, larger and more palatable roots were developed, and today there are numerous turnip varieties. This list represents just a few of the more common or popular types of turnips.
- Alltop
- Amber Globe
- Arctic
- Gold Ball
- Golden Globe
- Hakurei (Salad Turnip)
- Market Express
- Milan
- Purple Top White Globe (probably the most commonly found turnip in the USA)
- Seven Top
- Shogoin
- Tokyo Cross
- White Egg
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Salad Turnips? The Hakurei turnip, also called the Tokyo turnip, is something referred to as a salad turnip, due to its crisp, delicious raw flavor.
Are radishes keto friendly? Yes, radishes are keto friendly. According to the USDA there are only 3.4g of carbs in radishes, and more significantly only 1.8g of net carbs (total carbs minus fiber) in 100g of radishes. You can eat a lot of radishes on a keto or other low carb diet.
Are turnips keto friendly? Yes, turnips are keto friendly, but not as much so as radishes. According to the USDA in a 100g serving there are only 6.4g of carbs in turnips (4.1g net carbs). This can be worked into a keto diet.
That wraps up our look at turnip vs radish. We hope you found something you can use here, and as always happy cooking from your friends at Live Eat Learn.
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