Learn how to cut rutabaga, also known as swede, into different shapes like cubes and fries. Step-by-step photos and recommendations for how to peel rutabaga and what knife to use are included.
Rutabaga is a root vegetable that resembles a turnip. It has a round shape and yellow-white skin with a purple top. Rutabagas have a slightly bitter taste that gets sweeter during the cooking process. In some areas, rutabagas are better known as swede.
If you’re interested in cooking with this vegetable, you may be wondering how to prepare rutabaga. Check out the following sections for tips on prepping swede!
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How to Cut Rutabaga into Fries and Cubes
Slice off the top and bottom of the rutabaga.
Cut the rutabaga in half lengthwise.
Peel each half of rutabaga using a swivel peeler or a paring knife.
Place each half on its flat side, then slice into lengthwise semicircles about ½-inch wide.
To cut rutabaga into fries: Stack a couple of semicircles on top of each other, then cut lengthwise into ½-inch wide strips. Repeat with the remaining pieces.
To dice: Cut the strips crosswise into cubes.
Best Knife to Cut Rutabaga
A chef’s knife is the best tool to use when cutting rutabaga. I use a Shun 8-inch knife. To peel rutabaga, use a swivel peeler or a paring knife. A bamboo cutting board with rubber stoppers is also helpful when prepping vegetables.
How to Cut Waxed Rutabaga
Rutabagas sometimes have a coating of wax on their skin. To cut a waxed rutabaga, slice off the ends and cut in half lengthwise. Then, use a paring knife to cut off the waxed skin from each half.
How to Store Cut Rutabaga
Cut rutabaga can be stored in an airtight container or bag in the refrigerator for about a week or even up to 10 days. It will not last as long as whole, uncut rutabaga but still usually lasts for a while.
You can also freeze cut rutabaga. Bring a pot of water to a boil, drop the rutabaga into the pot, and blanch for 3 minutes. Remove the rutabaga from the pot and submerge it in a bowl of ice water for a couple of minutes.
Then, transfer it to a lined baking sheet and spread it out in a single layer. Put the baking sheet in the freezer for a couple of hours until the rutabaga is frozen solid. Finally, transfer the frozen rutabaga to labeled freezer bags or containers. Store for up to 6 months.
Rutabaga Recipes
📖 Recipe
How to Cut Rutabaga
Equipment
- Swivel peeler (or paring knife)
Ingredients
- 1 rutabaga
Instructions
- Slice the top and bottom off of the rutabaga.
- Cut it in half lengthwise.
- Place each half on its flat side. Then, cut it into ½-inch semicircles.
- Stack some semicircles on top of each other and cut into ½-inch wide strips. If you want to cut rutabaga fries, stop here.
- To dice rutabaga, cut the strips crosswise into cubes.
Notes
- Store cut rutabaga in an airtight bag in the refrigerator for about a week.
Nutrition
Enjoy this delicious vegetable! – Lizzie
Kayleigh @feedyourworth
😆 you got me! I was like oooo here’s a new crazy vegetable for us to try…. Swede it’s a Swede 😆 it’s very common in the England. It did make me laugh. They are actually REALLY difficult to cut so great article. I learned a few things.
Lizzie Streit, MS, RDN
Ha, yes! They go by rutabaga here! I’m glad you still found the article helpful though!! 🙂