Monday, July 5, 2010

Why is Everybody Ignoring Rutabagas?

"Rutabaga"
Aggie Horticulture, Texas AgriLife Extension Service, Texas A&M

"Description - The rutabaga is very similar to the turnip except that it generally has yellowish flesh, a more dense root with more side shoots and they are usually harvested at a larger size. Unlike the turnip, the rutabaga has smooth, waxy leaves.

"Culture - Requires the same growing conditions as the turnip--cool conditions for rapid growth and good quality. Planting should be done in the spring as soon as the ground can be worked. In the fall, multiple plantings can be made but should be stopped in order for the rutabaga root to form before extremely cold weather occurs. Rutabagas do better in the fall than in the spring due to the longer time they take to mature -- about 30 to 45 days longer than turnips...."

The Texas A&M page claims that rutabagas "...are not common in most retail outlets due to low demand." Or is it because Big Turnip is afraid of competition - and forcing retailers to keep rutabagas off the shelves?!

I'd go on - a conspiracy theory involving the suppression of rutabagas by Big Turnip has entertainment potential. But, human nature being what it is, I'm a little concerned that someone would take me seriously. Or maybe insist that a Congressional committee investigate why I'm withholding evidence of Bit Turnip's perfidies.

I really don't have time for that: so you'll have to make up your own story.

3 comments:

Brigid said...

The answer may lie within the article itself. "[A] more dense root with more side shoots."

Brian H. Gill said...

Brigid,

Could be: although I think it'd be much cooler if it's a plot by the space-alien, shape-shifting lizard people. ;)

Brian H. Gill said...

Brigid,

Sorry about this! Blogger isn't displaying new comments - aside from this one that I wrote, responding from you.

You can (I hope) read your comment by opening the 'post a comment' page.

Best wishes and all that - and I hope Blogger fixes this problem.

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