It is only a faint odor when the vegetables are cut or cooked but “the longer you cook a turnip (or rutabaga) the more smelly chemicals you will produce and the stronger the taste and odor will be,” warns Carol Ann Rinzler, author of The Complete Book of Food (World Almanac Books, 1987).
Why do my greens stink?
The longer collards are cooked, the more they release a sulfurous smell. When cooked into a green, gooey mess, the odor of collards hangs like kitchen curtains long after the greens are gone. “People cook them way too long,” said Candice Gowdy of T&T Farmer’s Market. “Once they’re cooked enough, they keep going.
How can you tell if turnip greens are bad?
How to tell if raw turnip greens are bad or spoiled? The best way is to smell and look at the raw turnip greens: discard any raw turnip greens that have an off smell or appearance; if mold appears, discard the raw turnip greens.
How do you cook turnips without the smell?
Add a teaspoonful of sugar to the water to add flavor, this lessens the odor too. For a nice twist that will temper their strong taste, peel and cut an apple in wedges then toss in the pot of boiling water along with a teaspoon of sugar (1 large apple per 2 pounds of turnips).
Are turnips pungent?
Similar to raw cabbage or radish, turnip leaves and roots have a pungent flavor that becomes milder after cooking. Turnip roots weigh up to 1 kilogram (2 pounds 3 ounces), although they are usually harvested when smaller.
Are greens supposed to stink?
Now is the time to find some fresh, tender leaves! Avoid the brittle leaves. As with Brussels sprouts, when cooked too long, the sulfur in collards can smell up the kitchen. That smell is a compound that fights cancer.
Why do you add vinegar to collard greens?
Removing the thick stem parts and cooking the collards in smoked meat will remove the bitterness out of collard greens. However, some people also add a dash of vinegar to the collards. The vinegar adds additional flavor and will also cut out any bitterness.
How do you keep turnip greens fresh longer?
How to Store Turnips Greens
- Refrigerate turnip greens in a tightly sealed plastic bag for up 5 days.
- Store them unwashed until you are ready to use them.
- Turnip greens can be frozen like spinach.
Which is healthier collard greens or turnip greens?
What is the difference between turnip greens and collard greens? Turnip greens tend to have a sweeter flavor compared to collard greens that may have a slightly bitter flavor. These leafy greens pack a lot of nutrition but turnip greens are notably known for being high in Vitamin K.
Are turnip leaves poisonous?
Turnip leaves are not toxic, and in fact, this root crop is also often grown for its tasty greens. Some varieties have been developed to optimize leaf production and may not produce quality turnip roots.
Why do turnips stink?
The small, fragrant spring turnip of European type is sometimes a hard thing to find. Then there is the odor. Though they are actually not in the league of cabbage or broccoli in producing pungent smells, turnips have the same mustard compound as those relatives, one that produces objectionable whiffs.
Why are my turnip greens bitter?
All turnip greens have some bitterness due to their high mineral content. Mature leaves and those of plants that are flowering or going to seed are more bitter than young greens.
How do you get rid of the bitter taste of a turnip?
Fill a stockpot with water and bring it to a boil on medium heat. Cut a medium-size potato in half. Add the turnip chunks and the halved potato to the boiling water. The potato will help eliminate the bad taste by absorbing the bitter flavor from the turnips.
What do turnip greens taste like?
What Do Turnip Greens Taste Like? The greens of the turnip taste a lot like the root, so you can expect peppery notes in the greens from fall turnips, and a sunnier zip on the tender spring turnip leaves.
How can you tell if a turnip is good?
Choose small turnips, which will be the youngest, with the sweetest flavor and best texture. They should be heavy for their size and firm, without any nicks or cuts. If the greens are attached, they should be brightly colored and fresh. Turnips will keep, tightly wrapped in the refrigerator, for up to two weeks.
Is turnip good for diabetes?
May help control blood sugar levels
Managing your blood sugar is critical for health, especially for those who have diabetes, and animal studies suggest that turnips may have antidiabetic effects.
What does greens smell like?
What does green smell like? In the aromatic world green is used to describe a fresh, light, cool or sharp aroma. It is a fragrance reminiscent of crushed green leaves, cucumber, cut green capsicum or fresh peas in the pod.
How long can uncooked greens stay in the refrigerator?
about 5 days
First, wrap them, unwashed, in damp paper towels until you are ready to use them. Keep the wrapped greens in an open plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to about 5 days.
How long will greens last in the fridge?
You should keep lettuce and other leafy greens such as kale, spinach, or collards in the refrigerator. Lettuce should keep for a week or two. Spinach won’t last for more than a week. Other greens will stay fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Which vinegar is best for collard greens?
apple cider vinegar
Vinegar will also help tenderize the collards. If you add anywhere from 2 teaspoons to 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, depending on the amount of collard greens you are cooking and how tough they were.
Can you overcook collard greens?
Stirring it several times while cooking. I prefer my collard greens super tender but not mushy. It’s really hard to overcook collard greens, though. Check on them after the 45-minute mark, giving them a taste test to check for firmness.
Elvira Bowen is a food expert who has dedicated her life to understanding the science of cooking. She has worked in some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens, and has published several cookbooks that have become bestsellers. Elvira is known for her creative approach to cuisine, and her passion for teaching others about the culinary arts.