Swedes

Closely related to the turnip, but quite different in appearance, the swede is a purple-green colour, measuring up to 20cm in diameter. Swedes have a warm, strong flavour ideal for cooking in or accompanying hearty winter fare such as casseroles and stews. When mashed, they become the traditional accompaniment to haggis, when they are known as neeps (taken from the fact that the swede is called the Swedish turnip in Scotland). When mixed with an equal quantity of mashed potato, they make the traditional Welsh dish, punchnep. Swedes are known as rutabagas in North America.