Can You Freeze Cooked Turnips?
Turnips are lovely vegetables that go perfectly in winter soups, stews and Sunday dinners.
If you’ve grown too many in your vegetable patch or simply cooked more than you needed, you might be wondering if you can freeze cooked turnips rather than letting them go to waste.
The good news is that cooked turnips freeze really well and are easy to reheat later.
Can You Freeze Cooked Turnips?
Yes, you can freeze cooked turnips.
Cooked turnips freeze well whether they’re:
- cooked in chunks
- mashed
- mixed with other vegetables such as swede or carrots
- added to soups or stews
Freezing leftovers is a great way to reduce food waste, especially if you’ve accidentally cooked far more than everyone can manage.
Turnip vs Swede – What’s The Difference?
Turnips and swedes are often confused because they look quite similar.
Turnips are usually smaller with white flesh and a milder flavour.
Swedes are larger, have orange or yellow flesh and become sweeter when cooked.
If you have readers from North America, it’s worth knowing that swede is usually called rutabaga.
Do You Need To Freeze Turnips?
Not necessarily.
Whole fresh turnips keep well for several weeks when stored in the fridge or somewhere cool, dark and dry.
However, because peeling and chopping them takes a bit of effort, I quite like preparing a bigger batch and freezing the cooked turnips ready for future meals.
Can You Freeze Raw Turnips?
You can, but I wouldn’t recommend it.
Like many vegetables, raw turnips don’t freeze particularly well because their texture changes once thawed.
For the best results, cook or blanch them first.
To blanch turnips:
- Peel and dice the turnips.
- Boil for 2 minutes.
- Transfer immediately into iced water.
- Drain thoroughly before freezing.
Can You Freeze Turnips Without Blanching?
It’s possible, but the quality won’t be as good.
Freezing raw turnips without blanching often results in a softer texture once they’re thawed.
If you’ve got a few extra minutes, blanching first is definitely worthwhile.
Can You Freeze Mashed Turnips?
Yes.
Mashed turnips freeze very well.
You can also freeze:
- mashed turnips with butter
- turnip and swede mash
- carrot and turnip mash
Sometimes mashed turnips can release a little water after thawing. Simply stir well while reheating and, if needed, add a small knob of butter or a splash of cream.
Can You Freeze Cooked Turnip Greens?
Yes.
Cooked turnip greens freeze well too.
Allow them to cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. They’re perfect for adding to soups, stews and side dishes later.
How To Freeze Cooked Turnips
Freezing cooked turnips couldn’t be much easier.
- Allow the turnips to cool completely.
- Divide them into portions you’ll realistically use.
- Place them into freezer-safe containers or freezer bags.
- Remove as much air as possible.
- Label and date before freezing.
Freezing in meal-sized portions makes defrosting much easier and helps avoid unnecessary waste.
How Long Do Cooked Turnips Last In The Freezer?
Cooked turnips are best used within 12 months.
They’re still safe after this, but their flavour and texture may gradually begin to deteriorate.
How To Defrost Cooked Turnips
The safest way to defrost cooked turnips is overnight in the fridge.
If you’re in a hurry, you can also use your microwave’s defrost setting.
Soups and stews containing turnips can often be reheated straight from frozen.
How To Reheat Cooked Turnips
The best reheating method depends on how they were prepared.
Mashed turnips
Microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. If they seem watery, continue heating gently while stirring until they thicken.
Turnip chunks
Reheat in boiling water for a few minutes or warm them in the microwave until piping hot.
Soups and stews
Heat gently on the hob or in the microwave until steaming throughout.
Whichever method you choose, always make sure the turnips are piping hot before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do Turnips Last In The Fridge?
Cooked turnips will keep for around 3-4 days in the fridge.
Fresh whole turnips often last several weeks if stored correctly.
Can You Freeze Turnips From The Garden?
Yes.
Homegrown turnips freeze just as well as shop-bought ones. For the best results, cook or blanch them first.
Can You Freeze Fresh Turnips?
Yes, although freezing them after cooking or blanching will produce much better results than freezing them completely raw.
Related Articles
If you’re filling your freezer with vegetables, these guides may also help:
- Can You Freeze Cooked Swede?
- Can You Freeze Creamed Leeks?
- Can You Freeze Cooked Pumpkin?
- Can You Freeze Carrot Puree?
- Can You Freeze Butter Beans?
- Can You Freeze Cooked Cabbage Soup?
Or browse my Freezing Food Hub to see all of my freezing guides in one place.
