By Bailey Roden, Arizona Farm Bureau Intern
Have you ever heard of the rutabaga? It’s a lesser-known root vegetable, but it deserves recognition for all the amazing things it can do for our body. This vegetable comes from an interesting background and has several different ways it can be served up in the kitchen.
Some Rutabaga facts:
- Larger than turnips
- Thick skin, often marked by leafy scales near the stem end
- Long shelf life
- Sweeter and stronger flavor
- help prevent premature aging
- could improve the immune system
- helps improve digestive health
- fights high blood pressure
The rutabaga can play the part of a potato and is sometimes used in casseroles to bring a flavorful zing to the recipe. The unique produce can also be used as a leafy green substitute. The leaves of the rutabaga carry the same nutritional value as traditional leafy greens. And, as a root crop can be grown in Arizona! Check out the Fill Your Plate article Root Crops, Some of Arizona’s Best Produce for more information on why root crops are so incredible.
People are always looking for quick and easy ways to lose weight, and what if I told you rutabagas may be your answer? The Fill Your Plate Article 9 Foods to Help You Lose Weight has more information on the weight loss advantages the rutabaga offers!
For more fun and informative articles check out the Fill Your Plate Blog, or you can browse The Fill Your Plate website where you can find out what other produce is in season. You can also find a new recipe to make for or with the family!