Turnip

Turnip, plant (genus Brassica) native to Europe and Asia. It was developed into a root crop, mainly for cattle feed, in the 19th century. Its swollen, yellowish-white taproot is packed with starch and is fit for human consumption. If left in the ground over the winter, the turnip sends up a flowering stem, using food stored in the root during its first year.

See also: Starch.