If you’re not a professional chef or gardener, odds are you probably struggle to keep parsnips and turnips straight in your head. It’s understandable. They are both pale root veggies that aren’t exactly common in most modern cooking.
But that doesn’t mean these two vegetables are interchangeable.
So, before you make a colossal cooking mistake by swapping the sweet parsnip with the bitter turnip, keep reading to learn all the differences between these distant cousins and how each is used in the culinary world.
The Details: Plant Type and Origin
Parsnip
The parsnip is part of the Apiaceae family and is a close cousin to carrots and parsley. Like carrots, the plant forms a thick taproot that is harvested in the fall or spring. But unlike the flashy carrot, which can come in a variety of colors from orange to yellow to red, the humble parsnip is resigned to a pale shade of white.
The plant is native to Eurasia and was a favorite of the Greeks and Romans (who thought it was just another variety of carrot). It was also used as an early sweetener before sugarcane came into the picture.
Turnip
Turnips are part of the Brassicaceae family which includes the very similar rutabaga, as well as mustard greens and cabbage. Like the parsnip, this plant also forms a thick taproot, but instead of an elongated form, this one takes on a rounded look, similar to a radish. Also like the parsnip, turnips are mostly white in color, though many varieties have a purplish-pink crown.
Turnips are native to Northern Europe but have been cultivated far and wide. The greens of the plant are also often eaten. Both are harvested during the cool weather before the heat turns the root woody and unusable.
Nutritional Profile
Parsnip
The sweet parsnip is a little more calorie-heavy than other veggies, but those extra carbs come with plenty of nutrients. In addition to fiber, this veggie is packed with folate, vitamin K, and vitamin C.
These important antioxidants aid in immune function, weight loss, and overall health. Plus, all that soluble and insoluble fiber is great for improving digestion.
Turnip
Turnips have about ⅓ the calories of parsnips, cup for cup, and have even more vitamin C. While they don’t pack quite the fiber or antioxidant load of their elongated cousin, they do have plenty of glucosinolates, which act to reduce oxidative stress and may even fight cancer.
These round roots may also have antidiabetic benefits and have been found to reduce blood sugar levels and improve insulin production in type 2 patients.
Culinary Uses
Parsnip
While both parsnips and carrots have an oddly sweet taste to them, the parsnip has a touch of spice with its candy-like qualities (think allspice or nutmeg). They are good roasted, sauteed, or boiled and can even be blended to add some creaminess to baked goods.
Unlike carrots, most of the flavor of a young, small parsnip is in the skin, so avoid peeling these veggies before use.
Turnip
Turnips taste similar to cabbage with some spicy undertones like a radish but not as intense. They can be slightly bitter or sweet depending on the variety.
In the culinary world, the turnip is often used in the same way as potatoes. They can be boiled and mashed, baked, or steamed. Because of their cabbage-like flavor, they can even be shredded and used in coleslaw or salads.
The greens are excellent sauteed with some onions and garlic, but can also be enjoyed steamed or added to soups.
Our Favorite Parsnip and Turnip Recipes
Whether you are team parsnip or team turnip, there is no shortage of excellent recipes out there to get you more familiar with these lesser-used root veggies.
Here are a few of our favorites:
- Easy Parsnip and Carrot Bake – This savory dish is bursting with flavor and rich enough to satisfy those comfort food cravings without sacrificing nutrition. And, because it is super easy to make, it is the perfect dish for weeknights and busy weekends.
- Vegan Parsnip Chowder – This chowder is heavy on the root veggies and absolutely delicious. It requires a long list of ingredients and a good amount of prep but is well worth it for a hearty vegan meal that is sure to leave you satisfied.
- Turnips and Greens with Cashew Cream Sauce – This creamy dish is packed with nutrition and surprisingly low in carbs. And, it can easily be made vegan by skipping the grated cheese topping.
- Roasted Turnips with Garlic – If you like oven-roasted red potatoes, you are going to love this simple dish. These turnips have a similar, satisfying taste, but without all the unnecessary starch.
