Rutabagas

RUTABAGAS are a cruciferous vegetable—a cousin of cabbage, turnips, and broccoli. While they look similar in appearance to turnips and boast a similarly spicy flavor profile, they are sweeter and denser. The harvest season typically runs from September through June, but their peak season for the best flavor is when winter is in full force. Rutabagas’ low price also makes them an excellent budget-friendly vegetable to add to your weekly grocery list. The roots are often waxed for long-term storage, so be sure to scrub off the wax or peel them before using.

Mashed Rutabagas with Sun-Dried Tomato-Bacon Jam

MAKES 4 TO 6 SERVINGS

Sun-dried tomatoes give the jam a deep tomato flavor, perfect for those winter nights when the warm days of summer seem far away.