Rutabagas

[LynnW]

Hi,

Can anyone tell me when the proper time is to harvest rutabagas in the midwest - Chicago area?

Thanks,
Lynn

[grandpasrose]

Hi Lynn!

Rutabagas are hardy right into the frost, and in fact become sweeter after a bit of cold.
They can be harvested any time in the early autumn, once they are 3-5'' in diameter, and before they have become pithy in the centre.
Hope this helps!
VAL

[LynnW]

Thanks so much Val. My daughter planted them for the first time this year then realized she didn't know too much about them!

Lynn

[grandpasrose]

You're most welcome! That's how we learn - try it. Don't be afraid to step over the edge to the unknown!!
Enjoy your rutabagas!
VAL

[opabinia51]

I love Rutabagas! They are so good for you and so yummy! Here is some nutritional information on them:

Calories 66
Total fat (g) 0.4
Saturated fat (g) 0.1
Monounsaturated fat (g) 0.1
Polyunsaturated fat (g) 0.2
Dietary fiber (g) 3.1
Protein (g) 2
Carbohydrate (g) 15
Cholesterol (mg) 0
Sodium (mg) 34
Vitamin C (mg) 32
Manganese (mg) 0.3
Potassium (mg) 554

I put them in stirfries, caseroles, boil them with potatoes to make a mash and the list goes on, and on, and on....

[LynnW]

Thank you for all the info. I, too love rutabagas. I could make a whole meal of them!

Lynn

[opabinia51]

I often do!! Just love them! So nice and sweet. Mmmmm.

Here is a casserole that recieves rave reviews from both myself and everyone I make it for.

Ingredients:
4 large Russet (baking) potatoes
3-4 onions
1 bunch green onions
5 cloves garlic (roasted)
1 large rutabaga
6 mushrooms
2 cans mushroom Soup
some milk

Grease a casserole dish with Olive Oil and Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cube the potatoes after peeling. Cube the onions and chop the green onions, cube the rutabaga, slice the shrooms. Make a layer of mushrooms on the bottom of the casserole dish, cover with a layer of onions followed by the garlic. Now, a layer of rutabaga and another layer of potatoes, followed by a layer of onions and finally Mushrooms. Spread the soup over the top of the Mushrooms and pour a bit of milk in to fill any gaps. (Just fill it about a quarter of the way)

Bake for 45 minutes to one hour and serve. Mmmmmmmmm mmm!

Next year I want to try doing Rutabaga Begneits (spelling?). Should be fun

[LynnW]

Can't wait to try it! Sounds yummy!

Thanks
Lynn