Turnip VS Parsnip | Similar But With A Few Significant Differences

Turnip vs parsnip

Both turnips and parsnips are lesser-known root vegetables that have much to offer in terms of health benefits and culinary uses. There’s much to learn about them if you aren’t familiar, but in this article we’ll be bringing you up to speed as we compare all of the major differences between turnip vs parsnip.

In short, the difference between turnip vs parsnip is that turnips have an outer skin that should be removed before eating. Turnips also contain fewer calories and carbohydrates. Parsnip, on the other hand, contains more fiber per serving and more vitamins and minerals too.

Let’s explore these differences in greater detail.

All About Turnips

Turnips are a non-starchy root vegetable that belongs to the Brassica family, which also includes cabbage, broccoli, and Brussel sprouts.

Turnip

Typically round or oval in shape, turnips have a smooth surface and outer skin that can vary in color ranging from white, yellow, red, and purple. The skin of a turnip is thin and is similar to that of red potatoes.

Beneath their skin, turnips have a firm, cream-colored flesh that can be eaten raw or cooked.

Although the skin of a turnip is edible, it is recommended that it be removed as it can leave a sharp aftertaste, according to the Taste Of Home website.

According to the Almanac website, turnips are a cool-weather vegetable that grows in both the spring and fall. However, they are quite abundant and available year-round in most regions.

The leaves that grow from the root of a turnip extend beyond the surface and are known as turnip greens. They are considered a cruciferous vegetable and are packed with nutrition, according to Medical News Today.

All About Parsnip

Much like turnips, parsnip is also a non-starchy root vegetable. However, it belongs to the Apiaceae family, which also includes carrots, parsley, and celery.

Parsnip

Parsnips are similar in appearance to carrots. They are long and tapered, grown underground; but unlike carrots, they have a creamy white flesh.

One of the first differences you’ll notice between turnip vs parsnip is that parsnips do not have an outer skin like turnips do. Instead, the outer texture is similar to that of a carrot.

According to BBC Good Food, baby parsnips do not need to be peeled. A good rinse is all they need. However, it is recommended that larger parsnips be thinly-peeled with a sharp knife or vegetable peeler.

Parsnips can be consumed either raw or cooked.

Another major difference between turnips and parsnips is that, unlike turnips, the leaves of parsnips are not edible. In fact, they can be quite toxic to humans. According to SFGate, the juice and sap in parsnip tops can cause irritation when contact is made with the skin. Furthermore, it can cause itchy around the mouth, lips and tongue if eaten.

One thing parsnip has in common with turnips is that they too are a cool-weather vegetable. They are planted in the spring and harvested in the winter months before the ground freezes.

Turnip VS Parsnip

Now that you have a brief introduction to each, let’s have a look at some of the ways in which turnips and parsnips differ.

Culinary Uses

Seeing as how turnips and parsnips are both root vegetables, they tend to be used in similar ways.

Some of the ways turnips can be used include:

  • Sliced and added to stews for flavor
  • Cubed and roasted with meat, either in the crock pot or oven
  • Shredded and used in coleslaw as a substitute for cabbage
  • Boiled and mashed, served as a side dish
  • Sliced and fried like French fries

Parsnips are used in much of the same ways, including:

  • Sliced and added to stir-fries
  • Roasted and used as a salad topping
  • Diced and added to chicken broths and soups
  • Sautéed and served as a side dish

Both turnip and parsnip can be eaten raw or cooked, and on their own as a snack or side dish.

Differences In Taste & Texture

Let’s have a look at the difference between turnip vs parsnip as far as taste and texture goes.

According to one Reddit user, the flavor of turnips is somewhat of a cross between carrots and sweet potatoes. They are described as slightly sweet.

Raw turnips are crunchy, but they do soften up when cooked.

Parsnips, on the other hand, have a creamy and nutty taste, as one Reddit user put it.

Parsnips have a mashed potato-like consistency when cooked. When eaten raw, they can be crunchy like carrots, although they are much sweeter than carrots.

Preparation & Cooking

Now let’s have a look at how you can prepare both turnips and parsnips.

To prepare and cook turnips:

  1. Rinse to wash away any dirt or debris
  2. Slice the ends off of the turnip using a knife
  3. Peel away the skin using a sharp knife or peeler
  4. Dice into cubes
  5. Place in a large pot and cover with water and salt
  6. Bring to a boil then reduce to simmer for 10 to 15 minutes

Once finished, turnips will go from being an opaque white color to more of a translucent whiteness.

The following YouTube video by user “Clarkstar Culinary” demonstrates the entire process:

To prepare and cook parsnips:

  1. Rinse to clean
  2. Use a peeler to remove the outer layer
  3. Slice away the ends and discard them
  4. Chop the parsnip into small pieces
  5. Place in a large pot and cover with water and salt
  6. Bring to a boil, let simmer for 10 to 12 minutes

For a working demonstration on how to prepare parsnips, check out the YouTube video by user “MonkeySee” below:

Nutrition Facts

Now let’s have a look at some of the nutritional differences between turnip vs parsnip.

The table below compares a 1-cup serving of peeled and chopped turning with a similar serving size of diced parsnip:

Item Turnip Parsnip
Serving Size 1 cup, cubed (130g) 1 cup, sliced (133g)
Calories 36 100
Total Carbohydrates 8.4g 24g
Sugar 4.9g 6.4g
Fiber 2.3g 6.5g
Total Fat 0.1g 0.4g
Protein 1.2g 1.6g
Vitamin A 0% DV 0% DV
Vitamin C 30% DV 25% DV
Vitamin E 0% DV 13% DV
Vitamin K 0% DV 25% DV
Calcium 3% DV 4% DV
Copper 12% DV 18% DV
Iron 2% DV 4% DV
Magnesium 3% DV 9% DV
Potassium 248.3mg 498.75mg
Zinc 3% DV 7% DV
Source: nutritionvalue.org

As you can see, both turnips and parsnips have a lot in common nutritionally.

  • They’re both low in fat
  • They’re both high in fiber
  • Both contain vitamin C— an essential vitamin and antioxidant that supports immune health
  • Both contain calcium— an essential mineral and electrolyte that plays a role in supporting bone health

That said, there are some noteworthy differences. Let’s go over some of them.

Turnips Contain One-Third Of The Calories In Parsnip

Possibly the greatest advantage turnips have over parsnips is their caloric density.

A 1-cup serving of chopped turnips contains approximately 1/3rd the calories of an equal serving size of parsnips, clocking in at 36 and 100 calories respectively.

This is important because calories are the unit of measurement we use to gauge energy expenditure, which is the sole determining factor of weight loss according to Mayo Clinic.

This means that if you’re looking to lose weight, turnips are more advantageous as they allow you to eat a greater volume of food for less calories, helping you stay within your caloric budget more easily.

Turnips Also Contain Fewer Carbohydrates

Not only do turnips contain fewer calories than parsnip, but they’re also lower in carbohydrates too.

This makes turnips advantageous for those who may follow a low-carb, or “keto” diet — a diet characterized by eliminating calories from carbohydrates and displacing them with fat and protein sources.

Although neither of these root vegetables could be considered a low-carb food, turnips have the edge here as they contain roughly 1/3rd the carbohydrates of parsnips.

Parsnip Contains Roughly Triple The Fiber Of Turnips

Fiber is an indigestible carbohydrate that the body uses to remove waste. It serves many other functions in the body as well.

According to Mayo Clinic, the benefits of adding fiber to your diet include:

  • Normalizing bowel movements
  • Lowering cholesterol levels
  • Controlling blood sugar
  • Aiding with weight loss

And many more.

Those seeking to boost their fiber intake will be better served opting for parsnip rather than turnips as the former contains roughly triple the fiber, clocking in at a whopping 6.5 grams per 1-cup serving.

Parsnip Contains More Vitamins & Minerals Per Serving

One area where parsnip may have a nutritional advantage over turnips is when it comes to certain vitamins and minerals.

Per serving, parsnip contains more of the following vitamins:

  • Vitamin E, which acts as an antioxidant, helping to protect cells from free radical damage
  • Vitamin K, which promotes heart health and is essential for blood clotting

Additionally, parsnip contains more minerals too, including:

  • Copper, which is important for energy production and making blood vessels
  • Iron, which is essential for carrying oxygen in the blood
  • Magnesium, an essential mineral and electrolyte that plays a role in muscle contraction
  • Zinc, which is important for immunity, cell growth, and wound healing

Furthermore, parsnips also contain more potassium– another essential electrolyte and mineral that plays a role in fluid balance, controls the electrical pulses in the body, and can even lower blood pressure, according to Harvard Health Publishing.

Antioxidants & Health Benefits

The health benefits of turnips are abundant. According to WebMD, turnips contain glucosinolates that may help prevent many different types of cancers.

Additionally, eating turnips can support eye health, thanks to the lutein antioxidant they contain.

Parsnips, on the other hand, have their share of health benefits too. According to WebMD, parsnip can help improve digestion thanks to the fiber content. The vitamin C content also helps in supporting immune health.

Pet Safety

Last (but certainly not least) in our comparison of turnip vs parsnip has to do with their safety around our four-legged friends.

As far as turnips go, both raw and cooked turnips (as well as turnip greens) are safe for dogs, according to Rover.com. In fact, dogs can enjoy much of the same health benefits from eating turnips that us humans do!

Parsnips, both raw and cooked, are also safe for dogs to eat, according to Tails.com. However, the parsnip tops (which include the leaves and stem) should be avoided.

In Conclusion

As we’ve gone over in this article, there are many differences between turnip vs parsnip. That said, they also have a lot in common. Both are root vegetables with health-promoting properties that can be eaten raw or cooked.

The biggest difference between the two might just be their taste, so give each a try and see which suits your preferences more.

PlantBasedFAQs.com

This post was contributed by a member of the PBF writing staff. PlantBasedFAQs.com is an online publication for learning about plant-based food and nutrition.

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