I tried turnips for the first time today--made turnip hash browns. When I took the first bite, they were great--almost like taters. But then, I noticed a bitter taste, and a moderate aftertaste. This is the first time I've tried turnips so I don't really know what they are supposed to taste like--is it normal? And is there anything I can do about it?

Turnips can be bitter if they are stored for too long or old when they are picked.

One way you can remove some of the bitterness is by salting the turnip pieces heavily after they are chopped. Let them drain in a seive or colander then rinse thoroughly and pat dry. This works for eggplant too.

Karen

Do you know if they would be less bitter if cooked another way? Like boiled for awhile?

Buy a fresher one if you can next time,
Try this, cut up like a french fry, toss in Olive oil and any herb, I use rosemary/dill, place on a foil lined cooking sheet bake at 375 turning once til golden and tender, I just love them that way. Think it came from this site.
Good luck. ( throw some Zucchinni in as well).
Kathy54

I'll definitely try that. Now I have a stupid question--how do you know if a turnip is fresh? I don't know nuthin bout buyin no turnips!