Bitter Swede

[Littlefox2000]

Hi everyone,

I gleefully harvested my first swede on Saturday and turned it into carrot and swede mash to top a pie...but it's really bitter. I ended up adding some honey and it's still bitter.

Googling about I found out it's probably lack of water that's caused the bitterness. Is there anything I can do for the remaining swedes which are still in the ground? They are currently a bit bigger than a cricket ball. Can I just make sure they're well watered from now on, or are they doomed to bitterness?

I also wonder if I didn't take the first one too early anyway...it just looked so tempting.

Thanks,
LF

[Aberdeenplotter]

swede doesn't turn sweet until after it's had a belt of frost. Until then, it will be a bit nippy

[Scarlet]

I also wonder if I didn't take the first one too early anyway...it just looked so tempting.

LF

More patience required...... They will be delicious in the cold weather with some spuds and a little onion gravy!

[Littlefox2000]

swede doesn't turn sweet until after it's had a belt of frost. Until then, it will be a bit nippy

Thanks AP...it's my first time growing it. I did think when I tried it, maybe it's like parsnips and needs a chill. Phew...at least it's not a wipe out.

[Littlefox2000]

More patience required...... They will be delicious in the cold weather with some spuds and a little onion gravy!

Thanks Scarlet! Mmm swede and gravy...not sure my autumn planted potatoes will be ready by then though. Im way too impatient to leave it too long.