Native to the Mediterranean basin. Turnip, with rapini and turnip rape are probably the oldest rapeseed cultivated by humans and important to civilization in the Mediterranean and Europe as a nutritious winter storage crop in many places with long cold winters, only requiring pitting in the ground. In Medieval England, a turnip a coat-of-arms indicated the family was a benefactor to the poor. In Ireland, the trunip was used for carving jack-0’-lanters on All Hallow’s Eve to ward off evil spirits. In North America, more easily carved pumpkins took the place.Delicious turnip recipes.
Companions: harry vetch, peas, radishes
Inhibitors: hedge mustard
