Turnip leaves, commonly called turnip greens, are the edible foliage of the Brassica rapa plant, which is cultivated for both its root and its leafy top. The leaves grow in a basal rosette pattern, fanning out directly from the crown of the developing root at the soil line, forming a low-lying cluster.
Identifying Shape, Color, and Size
The shape of a mature turnip leaf is typically lyre-shaped or lobed, featuring a large, rounded terminal lobe at the tip and several smaller, irregular lobes near the base of the leaf stalk. Overall size varies significantly, with leaves often growing up to 12 inches long depending on the cultivar and the plant’s age. Smaller leaves are often more oval or lance-shaped, while larger, older leaves display a more deeply indented and pinnate pattern.
The color is generally a medium to dark green, deepening as the leaves mature. The veins and leaf stems, or petioles, can sometimes display a reddish or purplish tint, especially in varieties like ‘Purple Top White Globe.’ They are harvested when they are between 4 and 6 inches long for optimum tenderness.
The Distinctive Hairy Texture
A defining feature that sets turnip leaves apart from many other leafy greens is their distinctive texture, created by small, stiff hairs. The leaf surface and stems are covered in fine, bristly structures known as trichomes, giving the foliage a slightly rough or fuzzy feel. This hairiness is a reliable trait for identification, even when compared to the similar-looking leaves of other Brassica family members.
This rough texture is noticeably different from the smooth, waxy surface found on collard greens or the soft texture of young spinach. The density of the hairs tends to increase as the leaf ages, making older leaves rougher.
Appearance Changes During Maturation
The look of turnip leaves changes dramatically as the plant progresses from a young seedling to a mature plant. Younger leaves are smaller, brighter green, and significantly less hairy than the older, outer leaves. As the plant develops its root, the outer leaves become darker, much larger, and their texture toughens, becoming more fibrous and noticeably bristly.
If the plant experiences stress, such as high temperatures or drought, it may prematurely begin “bolting.” Bolting causes the plant to rapidly send up a tall flower stalk, and the leaves that grow on this stalk are distinct from the basal rosette. These stem leaves become much smaller, have fewer or no lobes, and often attach directly to the stem without a petiole. This change in appearance signals that the plant is past its prime for tender greens.