Rutabaga
Brassica napus
I
t is entirely possible that a carrot and a cab inches in diameter, although the rutabaga can
bage found some kind of vegetative bliss in a grow up to 8 inches.
natural (no human intervention) habitat and They will take a good deal of time to grow—
had an unusual off spring. At least that’s what more than 120 days in my case—and, like other
some well-informed botanists suggest. roots, do very well after a mild to moderate
The prodig y was, of course, the rutabaga. frost, which again encourages sweetness. If you
Now I happen to really enjoy this root veg leave rutabagas to winter, they’ll need lots of
etable, regardless of its reasonably unattractive mulch; and throughout their growth, the soil
appearance. It’s round, light to darker yellow, must be kept evenly moist to prevent cracking.
and squat—a perfect description. It has to be I used the rutabaga in a special multivegeta
peeled, which, depending on its size, can be an ble soup for some close neighbors. The idea was
awkward task. Once the skin is gone (and to gain maximum nourishment at minimum
popped into a stockpot), the flesh is fairly cost and to achieve this by doing enough vol
evenly golden—much more attractive. ume to last for several meals, each of which
You can eat the leaves (like turnip greens) of could be modified with added garnishes to cre
the young plant, but I find them an acquired ate variety. It really is a perfect dish for tough
taste and not worth the eff ort. economic times—or any time, for that matter.
As they begin to reach their maximum (You’ll find the recipe for this superb soup on
height of 12–15 inches, it’s a good idea to gen page 230.)
tly bend the stalks over until the tops point
to the ground (a little like onions and garlic)
so that the energ y flowing into the leaf growth The Numbers
is directed into the root. Th is technique— For each 100 g boiled (3.5 oz ; ½ cup): 39 calories, 0 g
called lodging—promotes growth and sweet fat, 0 g saturated fat, 9 g carbohydrate, 1 g protein,
ness. The vegetable is best when it’s about 4 2 g dietary fiber, 20 mg sodium
228 • GROWING AT THE SPEED OF LIFE
