Turnip 'Purple Top White Globe' organic

Organic 'Purple Top White Globe' turnip ( Brassica rapa ) from the Gaia seed company, a rustic and tasty classic

The 'Purple Top White Globe' turnip is an heirloom variety dating back to the 1800s , prized for its tender white flesh and distinctive two-tone skin , with a purple top and white base . Its flavor is mild and slightly sweet , without the bitterness sometimes found in other varieties.

Appreciated for its rapid growth and great storage capacity , this turnip is ideal for autumn and winter harvests . It can be enjoyed young and crunchy in salads, cooked in soups or roasted in the oven to reveal all its sweetness. It is also a must-have in stews and rustic soups .

Did you know?

Turnips were once a staple crop before the arrival of the potato in Europe , and were widely consumed for their richness in fiber, vitamins C and B6, and antioxidants .

Winter turnips , in particular, develop a sweeter flavor after light exposure to frost , as the cold converts their starches into natural sugars , giving them a melting texture and milder taste .

Spread: Round root and erect foliage
Plant height: 30 to 45 cm
Quantity per pack: ± 300 seeds
Companion plants: Peas, beans, lettuce, spinach, cucumbers, marigolds, nasturtiums, dill, coriander, spring onions
Enemy plants: Cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts, potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant

Cultivation method

The 'Purple Top White Globe' turnip is a hardy and easy to grow plant, which appreciates loose, well-drained soils , as well as a sunny to partially shaded exposure .

• Soak the seeds in lukewarm water for 12 hours before sowing to speed up germination.
• Sow directly in open ground , as soon as the soil can be worked in spring or at the end of summer for an autumn harvest .
• Plant seeds 1 cm (1/2") deep , spacing plants 2-10 cm (1-4") apart and rows 20-30 cm (8-12") apart.
• Germination in 5 to 7 days , with an optimum temperature of 18°C .
• Thin out young plants to encourage good root development.

Regular, moderate watering is essential to prevent roots from becoming woody or too prickly .

Harvesting and conservation

• Harvest when roots reach 7-10cm (3-4") in diameter , for optimum taste and tender texture.
• To keep them for several weeks , cut the tops 2 cm from the neck and store the turnips in a cool, humid place ( 1-2°C, with a humidity of 85-90% ).
• They keep for 3 to 4 weeks in ventilated containers, or several months in a root cellar .

Ideas for use in the kitchen

• Grate them raw and mix them with carrots for a crunchy and refreshing salad.
• Add them to soups and stews , where they will add a velvety texture and a slightly sweet taste.
• Roast them in the oven with garlic and rosemary for a delicious accompaniment.
• Add them to slow-cooked dishes , such as stews and pot roasts, where they will absorb the flavors of spices and broths.
• Mash them with butter and a touch of nutmeg , for a light alternative to mashed potatoes.

With its natural sweetness, easy growing and long shelf life , the 'Purple Top White Globe' turnip is a perfect choice for lovers of old, hardy vegetables .