Swedes - Tuwīti tānapu
Swedes belong to the same family as turnips and cabbages.
They are a hybrid between a turnip and a type of cabbage and were developed in Sweden in the 17th century and are also known as Swedish turnips or rutabaga - Swedish for red bags, which refers to the purple, bronze crowns. Different cultures have developed their own ways to use them.
Swedes have a delicate, sweet flavour, a great texture and are very versatile. The top half of the swede is purple, and the lower half cream. Swedes are more available in winter and taste better after a good frost, therefore the best swedes in New Zealand are reputed to be those grown in Southland. The leaves are eaten in many countries, however, it's the edible roots that are commercially available in New Zealand.
What to look for
Choose smaller swedes, about the size of a cricket ball, with smooth skin and firm flesh.
Availability
Available: all year
Store
Refrigerate in paper bags.
How to prepare
If swedes are fresh and young, leave the skin on. Otherwise peel and cut to size.
Ways to eat
Swedes can be eaten raw if fresh and young. Older swedes can be boiled, mashed, stir fried, roasted, puréed, steamed, baked, glazed or pickled. They absorb flavours well so add to soups, stews or braises. Flavourings such as nutmeg, parsley, coriander and black pepper go well with swedes.
Cooking methods
Bake, boil, braise, microwave, steam, stew.
Nutrition
Swedes are a good source of vitamin C, a source of dietary fibre and vitamin B6. Swedes are members of the Brassica family and contain similar phytonutrients, particularly the glucosinolates and phytosterols.
Nutrition table
| SWEDE | Raw | |||
| Nutrition Information | ||||
| Serving size: 75g | ||||
| Average Quantity | % Daily Intake per serve | Average Quantity | ||
| per serving | per 100g | |||
| Energy (kJ) | 94 | 1 | 125 | Energy - low |
| Protein (g) | 0.6 | 1 | 0.8 | |
| Fat, total (g) | 0.1 | 0 | 0.1 | |
| - saturated (g) | 0.01 | 0 | 0.02 | |
| Available carbohydrate (g) | 3.8 | 1 | 5.1 | |
| - sugars (g) | 3.7 | 4 | 4.9 | Sugar - low |
| Dietary Fibre (g) | 2 | 7 | 2.7 | Source |
| Sodium (mg) | 16 | 1 | 21 | |
| Vitamin C (mg) | 14.4 | 36% RDI* | 19.2 | A good source of vitamin C |
| Vitamin B6 (mg) | 0.17 | 11% RDI* | 0.23 | A source of vitamin B6 |
| Percentage Daily Intakes are based on an average adult diet of 8700 kJ | ||||
| Your daily Intakes may be higher or lower depending on your energy needs | ||||
| *Recommended Dietary Intake (Average Adult) | ||||
| Source: New Zealand Food Composition Database online accessed May 2024 | ||||
Retailing
Place next to turnips. Offer samples of raw swede. Pre-pack with carrot and parsnip as a soup mix. Customers may not know how to use swedes, so use the QR code on labels.
Store at 0ºC with a relative humidity of 90-100%.
Purchase swedes with the New Zealand GAP logo.