Roots
celeriac
Facts
Celeriac (aka celery root) is a nutrient-rich root vegetable that is a good source of vitamin C, phosphorus and is also an excellent source of vitamin K - 80% of the daily recommended value in a single one-cup serving
Celeriac isa delicious vegetable that’s starchy like potatoes and has a distinctive taste somewhere between celery and parsley
tips
Celeriac is a versatile vegetable which pairs well with potatoes or cauliflower in a mash, raw julliened in salads or roasted
fennel
Facts
Aside from its many culinary uses, fennel and its seeds offer a wide array of health benefits and may provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects
Fennel and fennel seeds provide important nutrients, such as vitamin C, fiber, folate, calcium, magnesium, potassium and manganese
tips
Fennel tea is considered to possibly aid in indigestion and bloating due to the oils found in the seeds
kohlrabi
Facts
Kohlrabi, a cruciferous vegetable (actually not a root), is a powerhouse of nutrients
One cup of kohlrabi provides 93% of your daily vitamin C needs, nearly 4 grams of fiber and it a good source of potassium (472 mg per cup), calcium, folate and phosphorus and vitamin B6
Its leaves, stems and bulbs can be eaten raw or cooked
tips
The taste of raw kohlrabi is similar to turnips only milder. You can grate or julienne it and add to salads or crudite plate, roast with other roast vegetables or add to pureed soups
turmeric
Facts
Turmeric has a wide-ranging health benefits - it is an excellent source of iron and manganese., vitamin B6, fiber, copper, potassium.and phytonutrients (circumin being one of these - it is one of many active ingredients in turmeric)
tips
It is important to pair turmeric with black pepper to reap its benefits, since the pepper contains a compound that can significantly increases the absorption of curcumin in the gut
Turmeric root (which looks like a smaller version of a ginger root) can be used instead of the most commonly used dried turmeric spice
Turmeric adds depth and flavor to many foods including lentils, rice, stews and smoothies
Turnips
Facts
Turnips, part of the cruciferous family, have great health benefits
Do not toss the leafy greens of turnips - they are loaded with more nutrients than the turnip roots - one cup of cooked turnip greens provides 229 mg of calcium and 2 grams of fiber
Both the roots and leaves are great sources of vitamins C, K and A, anitoxidants and minerals, especially folate
tips
When buying a bunch of turnip greens still attached to the turnips, always remove the greens from the turnips before storing - if left attached the leaves will pull the moisture out of the turnips and dry them out
You can grate or julienne turnips and add to salads or crudite plate, roast with other roast vegetables or add to pureed soups. The greens can be added to stir-fries, salads or soups