Turnip roots have been used as a source food since the ancient Greek and Roman times. While it is the root that has always been the more desirable staple food, it is the top greens which are many times more potent in important antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.
Being conical to roundish in shape, the turnip flesh is typically white and at times contains streaks of pinkish, to purple streaks. Baby turnips, picked in early stages of growth, prior to reaching maturity, have a more delicate sweet flavor compared to the fully mature root. The mature root can reach weights of up to 1 kg, and has a more pungent flavor with firm and woody texture. Turnips are in season from fall through winter months.
Appetizing Turnip Juice
Ingredients:
- 1 heaping cup of cubed turnips
- 1 cup cabbage
- 2 carrots cut up
- 1 apple cut up
- Handful of mint leaves
Directions:
Wash all ingredients well and cut into size that will fit the juicer with ease. Juice all ingredients and enjoy.
Add-ons
- Turnip Greens
Nutritional Information
When it comes to nutrients, turnips contain a mindboggling list that is sure to impress even the most health conscious individuals. For juicing purposes, it is best to buy turnips with the greens intact as they contain more than a day’s supply of some vital nutrients. A single cup serving of the fresh root contains only 28 calories and delivers 27 milligrams of vitamin C. This is more than 30% of the daily recommended allowance. In addition turnips supply vitamins B-2, B-3, B-9, E and K and the minerals magnesium, potassium, phosphorus and zinc.
Juicing turnip greens along with the root further enhances the nutritional value of the juice, adding significant amounts of nutrients like omega-3 fats, iron, vitamin A, folate, copper, calcium, selenium , manganese and antioxidants like lutein, and zeaxanthin in addition to alpha and beta carotenes.
Health Benefits of Turnips
To gain maximum benefits of turnip juice is to combine it with vegetables that are high in magnesium which allow for maximum absorption of the calcium in turnip. Turnip juice is beneficial for skin issues like acne, in addition to alleviating bladder issues, arthritis and anemia. Combined with lemon juice, turnip juice can help to provide relief from colds and cough.
One study published in “International Journal of Oncology” in 2010 states that phytonutrients known as indols found in turnips killed human colon cancer cells. Other phytonutrients known as glucosinolates also found in turnips offer protection against prostatic hypertrophy, an inflammation related condition that may be the forbearer of prostate cancer. Additionally, this sulfur-infused compound provides anti-parasitic, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal protection.