Swede

A root vegetable that looks like a turnip, and is commonly called a "rutabaga" or at times a "Swedish turnip," but is actually from the cabbage family. It has a green or purplish colored skin with flesh that has a sweet flavor and is a pale yellowish-orange in color. Swedes can be boiled, baked and sautéed. Swedes are available throughout the year but July through April is their peak season. When selecting, choose those that are 3 to 4 inches in diameter for the sweetest flavor. They should be firm and feel heavy for their size and be smooth skinned. Most commercial swedes are coated with an edible wax so they will keep for two weeks to a month if stored in a cool, dry location.