Growing Rutabaga, also Swedes

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20 Apr 17 Allan (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
The swede is bitter when it is cooked. I thought it is lacking something in the soil. What am I doing wrong.
21 Apr 17 Jonno (Australia - temperate climate)
Swedes originated as a cross between a cabbage and a turnip. Like their half sisters; Brussels Sprouts they can be bitter. A lot of gardeners say that they are sweeter after they have had a few frosts on them. growing them with even watering and no set backs would also help. Maybe some other reader will be able to help.
03 May 20 Paul (Australia - temperate climate)
I still eat them after a lifetime of growing and eating them . In fact my grandfather grew them commercially in the 1950s and 60s. I usually eat them mashed with potato, sometimes on their own. However I am a Masterchef-type mash person, with oodles of butter ! That often hides a little bit of bitterness . You might find your soil was too well manure or fertilized and you had heaps of green top at the expense of a well-developed root . Very cold winters also produce better swedes . Heavy frosts .
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