Vegetable | Vegan Vegetarian Gluten Free Low Calorie Low Carb

Swede

Brassica napobrassica Allergen-Free
Swede

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Brassicaceae
  • Primary Cuisine Northern European
  • Seasonality Autumn, Winter
  • Source Swede plant root

The Forktionary Angle

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Definition

A root vegetable, also known as rutabaga, with a yellowish-orange flesh, a slightly sweet and earthy flavor, and firm texture.

Sensory Profile

TasteEarthy, Slightly sweet, Mildly peppery
TextureFirm, Dense, Waxy, Smooth (when mashed)
AromaRooty, Mildly sulfurous (when cooked)
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Nutrition Facts

Per 80g (1/2 cup chopped)
Calories37 kcal
Total Fat0.2 g
Saturated Fat0 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein1.1 g
Total Carbohydrate8.6 g
Dietary Fiber2.3 g
Total Sugars5.7 g
Calcium43 mg
Iron0.7 mg
Potassium234 mg

Chef’s Secret

Roasting swede caramelizes its sugars, intensifying its sweetness and creating a delicious depth of flavor often superior to boiling.

Substitutions

Best Match

Turnip

1:1

Similar root vegetable, slightly more peppery and less sweet. Good for mashes and stews.

Potato

1:1

Excellent for mashed dishes and stews for texture, but lacks the distinct earthy-sweet flavor, higher carb.

Parsnip

1:1

Sweeter and more aromatic root vegetable. Good for roasting and purees.

Celeriac

1:1

Earthy, nutty flavor with a firm texture, suitable for roasting or mashing, lower carb than potato.

Buying Guide

Choose firm, heavy swedes with smooth skin, free from blemishes or soft spots. Smaller ones tend to be sweeter.

Flavor Pairings

Roast meats butter black pepper herbs (thyme rosemary) apples bacon mustard.