Swede, also known as rutabaga or neeps, is a root vegetable that belongs to the cruciferous family. It is a cross between a turnip and cabbage and is known as rutabaga in the United States but is called swede throughout the rest of the world. Swede is a hardy winter vegetable that grows seasonally from autumn through to winter. It is a great substitute for white starchy potatoes and can be used in stews, casseroles, soups, roasts, as fried chips, and in place of potato in recipes. Swede has a wide range of health benefits due to its excellent source of vitamins and nutrients. It is particularly high in vitamins C, E, K, and B6, as well as being a good source of manganese, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, carotene, and fiber. Swede is a great source of vitamin C in particular and makes a good alternative to potatoes if you’re on a low-carb diet as they are low in carbohydrates, unlike a lot of other root vegetables. Swede is often confused with turnip, though they look quite different. Swede has a round shape and a purple-green skin, and the flesh is yellowy-orange, with a sweet, earthy flavor. Swede can be boiled, roasted, or steamed and is suited to long braises such as soups or hearty stews. Swede is in season from October to February in the UK.