What Do The Cornish Call Turnips: Unveiling The Local Name

Is a Cornish pasty traditionally filled with a turnip or a swede? In Cornwall, when referring to the filling, the vegetable of choice is the yellow-fleshed swede, which is commonly known as the turnip in the region. This vegetable is also sometimes referred to as the yellow turnip or Swedish turnip in various places. Interestingly, in North America, this same vegetable goes by the name rutabaga. So, to clarify, the typical filling for a Cornish pasty consists of the yellow-fleshed swede, often locally known as the turnip, which is equivalent to the yellow turnip or Swedish turnip, and is referred to as rutabaga in North America.

Have you ever wondered why a turnip is commonly referred to as a neep? The origin of this term can be traced back to a linguistic evolution, where “neep” likely emerged as a shortened form of “turnip.” However, it’s important to note that when people mention “neeps,” they are not typically referring to the common turnips you might have in mind. Instead, they are often talking about Swedish turnips, which are also known as “swede” or “swedes.” This term can sometimes lead to confusion, as neeps and turnips are technically distinct varieties of root vegetables. Nevertheless, the colloquial usage of “neep” to describe swedes has endured over time.

What is the alternative name for the Swedish turnip? The Swedish turnip, also known as a rutabaga or simply a Swede, is a bulbous root vegetable closely related to the turnip. It boasts a mildly sweet flavor due to its low sugar content and is a rich source of dietary fiber. These sizable vegetables typically feature a yellowish interior, but the skin can come in two variations: green swedes and purple swedes. This diversity in skin color distinguishes different varieties of this versatile root vegetable.