What is a rutabaga?

A RUTABAGA IS AN edible root in the vegetable family. It is white/yellowish in color and is usually about the size of a softball or larger. Most times it is sold with a thin protective coat of wax. Most markets and customers call them TURNIPS, and even though they are technically a type of turnip, they are larger and harder to cut and not as sweet as a turnip. A true turnip is usually about the size of a hardball or slightly larger, not waxed, is white/yellowish in color, and generally has a light purple top. It is easier to cut and is sweeter than a rutabaga. Most times, markets will label the larger rutabaga as a turnip. They are good cut up and boiled, or put in soups & stews.