subject: The Origins of the Turnip [print this page] The Origins of the Turnip The Origins of the Turnip
The turnip has been around far longer that you might expect this pint sized vegetable to have lasted for. Early Europeans settlers found it thriving marvelously over 4,000 years ago!
Back in the day, and this is way, way back in the day, this brassica root was used by the Romans to throw at people which they did not like. Still, for such an unpopular piece of vegetable, it is quite remarkable that it has survived to land onto our modern day plates nevertheless.
One does wonder what caused this generally harmless looking vegetable to be so disliked that it was thrown at ones enemies in the past. There may have been some economical and social class stigma attached to this ancient plant. It is theorized that the turnip was the staple food for the poor and downtrodden of the Greek and Roman people. There were hardly any rich, wealthy and high class citizens who bothered eating the turnip. There were some of course but even they coated it generously with cumin and honey before partaking of their turnip dish.
Another thing that the turnip was great for was cattle fodder. That is right, livestock thrived on their meals of turnip food and since Charles Townshend brought the turnip into the United Kingdom they have continued to thrive on the turnip.
Back around the year 1730, farmers used to kill their cattle right before it got frosty and cold because it was just too much hassle and far too expensive to keep their animals. After Townshend showed them all that their livestock could be fed with the turnip that thrived when it was cold and wet, well, it became easier to keep their cattle.
Now the turnip remains a popular vegetable everywhere, and is taken as food for both people and animals.
