Focus on food: September 23, 2004

Macomber Turnip Update

Hi everyone and sorry for the long delay in new postings. Hope now to be back on track with more new and exciting information than ever before!

The long awaited new crop of Macomber turnip is scheduled to arrive at Lees sometine next week. It's still a little vague as to exactly when but we are assured that they are on their way.

According to Cukie Macomber and as written in the New Bedford Standard Times, "It (ed:the macomber turnip)began when two brothers, Adin and Elihu, sixth-generation farmers from the Westport portion of old Dartmouth, began experimenting with seeds. "They returned from a fair in Philadelphia in 1876 with seeds for experimentation, planting radishes next to rutabagas (17th century crossbreed of a cabbage and a turnip) to allow cross pollination. The Westport Macomber Turnip was born. Their new turnip inherited the white flesh of the radish parent and turnip grandparent, but an unusual sweetness and horseradish aroma, raw and cooked.""

Well there you have it. Be looking for them soon and thanks to Bob Pierce for growing them for us.