Rutabagas

Also indexed as: Swedes

Preparation, uses, and tips

Rutabagas are harvested in autumn and then dipped in wax to preserve them over the winter. Wax-coated rutabagas should always be peeled before cooking.

Scrub rutabagas just before using, and peel if the skin is thick or wax coated. They can be steamed, boiled and mashed, sautéed, baked, or roasted, and lend themselves especially well as an addition to soups, and to dishes that include a bit of sweetness, such as honey or dried fruit. Boil cubed rutabagas until tender, then toss with raisins, chopped walnuts, and a little honey. They are especially good when mashed with an equal amount of potatoes.

Buying and storing tips

Rutabagas can be found in the fruits and vegetables section of health food stores and supermarkets. Choose heavy, firm rutabagas with smooth, unblemished skin and no sign of wrinkling or shriveling. Store them, refrigerated, in a plastic bag for up to a week.

Varieties

The golden-fleshed variety is the most generally available. A white variety of rutabaga exists, but it’s not often seen for sale.

Nutrition Highlights

Rutabagas, 1 cup (135g) (raw, cubes)
Calories: 50
Protein: 1.68g
Carbohydrate: 11.4g
Total Fat: 0.28g
Fiber: 3.5g
*Excellent source of: Vitamin C (35mg)
*Good source of: Potassium (472mg), and Vitamin A (812 IU)

*Foods that are an “excellent source” of a particular nutrient provide 20% or more of the Recommended Daily Value, based upon United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidelines. Foods that are a “good source” of a particular nutrient provide between 10 and 20% of the USDA Recommended Daily Value. Nutritional information and daily nutritional guidelines may vary in different countries. Please consult the appropriate organization in your country for specific nutritional values and the recommended daily guidelines.

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The information presented in the Food Guide is for informational purposes only and was created by a team of US–registered dietitians and food experts. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or chemist for any health problem and before using any supplements, making dietary changes, or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires August 2007.