Store At: 5-10°C
Comes From: England, Temperate countries
Seasonality: Winter
First popular in France and Southern Europe in the sixteenth century, it first came to Britain from Holland, and quickly gained popularity, being known as the "turnip rooted cabbage", from the root that looks like a turnip, and the top that looks like a cabbage. Oilseed rape is a variety of swede without the swollen stem-base.
As mentioned, swede is extremely tough, and can be left stored in the ground after maturing, and they are very easy to grow. Recent advances in breeding has resulted in varieties that are disease resistant and tastier still. Swede is popular alongside potatoes, in particular mashed. They can be sliced, cubed or roasted like parsnips, or added to casseroles and stews.
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