Turnip convert

[ellkebe]

Have never liked turnips, and so have never grown them, but I gave Oasis a go this year - mainly cos it said I could grate them into salads.  Can't say I liked them that way much, but OH roasted the rest, and I'm converted!

Since starting to grow veg. that's happened with a few things now - turnips, brocolli, pumpkins, courgettes and runner beans.

Might be because they're fresh and organic - or might just be ego, cos I grew them ;D ;D

Anybody else found the same thing happening?

[ellkebe]

[markfield rover]

With many things yes,sweetcorn soooo much better than shop bought
but broadies no way !never,ever.

[Lauren S]

I'm NOT a fan of peas, but I remember eating them from Grandad's garden as a child. I am growing my own for the first time this year.
Lauren

[Rosyred]

I grew those turnips, to me they tasted like radishes couldn't decide if I liked them or not. May roast some & try.

[manicscousers]

strawberries, peas, carrots, tomatoes, in fact, there's nothing to beat picking something and cooking or eating it the same day, the taste is exceptional  :)

[flossie]

haven't had turnips since I was a child and didn't much enjoy them then... but am willing to give them a go... is it too late to plant them?

[saddad]

Should be fine Flossie, I've just put two rows of Swede in today!
;D

[kt.]

I'll let you know when I get mine to germinate. Suedes sowed 4 weeks ago aint showing so gonna try again in 3 weeks.

[withnail]

I grew those turnips, to me they tasted like radishes couldn't decide if I liked them or not. May roast some & try.

i thought they tasted much like radish and was a little dissapointed (never tried them before)


@ellkebe what size did you let them grow to before you roasted them ?

[froglets]

KT, is that usual - the bad germination?  I've sown swede for the first time in ages on our new plot but not sure if I've had poor germination or a visit from the fat bas***d pigeons.  I've re-sown this weekend in the hope it's not too late.  Any advice?

[dingerbell]

I've always been a Home Grown Veg evangelist. There is nothing in the world to compare to the taste of a Tomato or Strawberry picked and eaten when still sun kissed warm......Bliss   My wife sometimes wonders about the size of my crop because I just can't resist picking and sampling when over at the Lottie. My Black Labrador has learnt how to pick Runner Beans from the vine....she's such a Pickle...even picks Blackberries without getting thorns in her mouth... ;D

[asbean]

We didn't like turnips till we grew our own, now we're completely converted.
Living in Italy I got used to buying turnip tops, which you can't seem to be able to buy here.  So I got some seed (Franchi - Seeds of Italy) and will have a go this year. It's called cima di rapa.  Lovely with orecchiette, garlic, chilli and olive oil.  (Recipe from Puglia). :P :P :P :P :P :P :P :P :P :P :P :P :P :P :P :P

[ellkebe]

Rosyred -  grew to about golf ball size and OH halved before roasting - came out very tender.

Asbean - I'm growing Cima da Rapa for the first time this year and was looking at it yesterday and wondering when to start harvesting.  Mine have started getting little 'closed green broccolli type flowers on the tips.  Do I want to start harvesting these before they open - like broccolli etc?  (All still quite small and thin but that seems true of the plants generally!) 

[asbean]

Ellkebe - You need to harvest them before the flowers open. :)

[ellkebe]

Cheers Asbean - also googled them and reckon the first little lot should be ready in the next day or so  :)  How much of the leaves do you usually take? - much like PSB etc?

[asbean]

Really just the tops.  Cut away as much of the stalks as you can, I always find stalks are on the tough side, and the leaves/tops are overcooked when the stalks are edible.

[ellkebe]

Just as well they're supposed to keep sprouting in that case!
Cheers Asbean  :)

[asbean]

Yeah, I seem to remember hearing they are "cut and come again" (or the italian equivalent).  I've only ever bought them before, this is the first time growing.

[kt.]

KT, is that usual - the bad germination?  I've sown swede for the first time in ages on our new plot but not sure if I've had poor germination or a visit from the fat bas***d pigeons.  I've re-sown this weekend in the hope it's not too late.  Any advice?

I grew swede 2 years ago and got a few. Didnt get to grow any last year but this year seeds have been in 4 weeks. Not a sign of life anywhere along the drill line. Will have to do it again

[froglets]

Mirrors my experience, odd really as most of the others in that family usually germinate well.  I'm trying Wodan for the first time & it can be used as a salad leaf veg.  So far the only leaves that might have sprouted have gone to the wildlife <sigh>

Have re sown & netted.  Fingers crossed.