Hey all,

As title really, I'm doing swede tonight - just wondered if anyones got any tips - last time I prepared swede I nearly ended up in A&E - it was so tuff!

Is there a ripeness scale or something?

Its a pain, but worth it. What I do is cut into half, quarters, then cubes. You can then peel the swede much easier in cubes and then just chuck into the pot.

Buy it in frozen cubes

I usually do as orangebathwater does - though I tend to use my big cleaver as it is less likely to slip to the side as I slice.

Cut it in half or quarters first. You will then at least have a flat surface to put face down on the board - this will make it easier to cut the skin off.

Cut off a disk at the bottom, if it hasn't already been done, so you can stand it upright. Then cut into big slices, like a melon. Use a smaller knife to peel the skin.

Buy it ready mashed or cubed. It terrifies me cutting em up

I am never cutting up a swede again! It's not worth the extreme effort required

I've got a Kenwood slicer - just remember to keep your fingers out of the way.
http://www.tesco.com/landing/?tidsi=....100-0886.aspx

Makes a great job of slicing other veg, cheese and cold meat etc.

Find it best if the food is refrigerated first.

Oh I see! You mean turnip!

You need a good decent sharp knife in my opinion, I usually take the top off, then slice that manky bit at the bottom so its completely flat, then place it on the board and cut it down the edge in sections.

You can buy it ready prepared, fresh. Its a bit more expensive but its too dangerous and too much hassle to prepare yourself.

Last time I got the knife stuck half way through it and had to use a hammer to get it out.

Could you boil it for a bit first to soften it maybe?

Phew! Not just me then!

My Mother always called swede turnip. Turnip is a very different vegatable.

Whats a turnip?

A small root veg, very round with white flesh. Much stronger flavour than swede. Very good braised in beef stock and then served with pork.

Thanks. I've never seen one. Do they sell them in Tesco?

im sorry but unless your about 12 or from spain i cant understand that you dont know what a turnip is ????

Yellow turnip,swede or rutabaga.

I buy them ready cubed with carrots as they are far too fiddly. They are cheap to buy.

I've just never had it before!

Really sorry if I offended you.

The word means different things in Scotland and England. A turnip in Scotland is a swede (ie a Swedish turnip) in England. English turnips, as someone says, are smaller and white, and you don't see them often in Scotland, except diced up in Cornish pasties and Branston pickle.

Cooked swede, carrot and potato mashed together with a little freshly ground black pepper Is soooo nice.

I hate peeling swede ! but when it eventually is cooked and mashed with carrots, it's divine.

I refuse to set foot in Tescos, but you can get them in Waitrose and most green grocers.

I was confused for a long time by the Scots refering to Swede as "Neeps" til I realised this

In Scotland they call parsnips neeps I cannot stand the taste of the things ( parsnips that is )