Root Vegetables: Buying Turnips and Celeriac (Celery Root)

Some vegetables are easy to avoid when they get too old, because they wilt, develop soft spots, or smell funny. But turnips and celeriac may look fine, but still be old and stale. Buy those that feel heavy. If they are light, they are spongy in the middle and will probably be bitter. Another thing to look out for: Don’t mistake tiny leaves coming out of the top for the cut-off greens. Tiny leaves mean that the turnip or celeriac has been sitting around for a good while and is sprouting.