Terms of UseHow to Peel and Cut a Rutabaga Explore this Article parts 1 Slicing the Rutabaga 2 Peeling and Chopping the Rutabaga Other Sections Questions & Answers Things You'll Need Related Articles References 47 Recipe Ratings | Success Stories Co-authored by wikiHow Staff
Last Updated: September 1, 2019 Tested
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This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. The wikiHow Video Team also followed the article's instructions and verified that they work. This article has been viewed 33,289 times.
Rutabagas are large purple-skinned vegetables that resemble turnips in texture and taste. These round root vegetables can be roasted, boiled, or mashed. Simply wash and slice your rutabaga. Then remove the peel and cut it into cubes. In just a matter of minutes, your rutabaga can be ready to cook.
Steps
Part 1 Part 1 of 2:
Slicing the Rutabaga
1 Wash the rutabaga. Just as you would with any vegetable, you should thoroughly wash the rutabaga in water before you begin chopping. Be sure to remove any dirt (as rutabagas are root vegetables).[1]XResearch source
2 Remove the top and bottom and cut the rutabaga in half. Place your rutabaga on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, remove the hard top and hard bottom of the vegetable. Discard these pieces. Then slice the entire rutabaga in half lengthwise.[2]XResearch source Advertisement
3 Cut each half into ½ inch (1.27 cm) semi-circles. Lying one half of the rutabaga on its flat side, carefully slice it into about ½ inch (1.27 cm) semi-circles. Repeat this process with the other half.[3]XResearch source Advertisement
Part 2 Part 2 of 2:
Peeling and Chopping the Rutabaga
1 Remove the outer skin with a paring knife. Pick up one slice of rutabaga and hold it in your non-dominant hand. Then, take out a paring knife and hold it in your dominant hand. Place the edge of your knife against the rutabaga, facing toward you, and apply pressure to the rutabaga with your thumb. Slide the knife along the rutabaga slice toward you, removing the skin. Discard the skin and repeat with the remaining slices.[4]XResearch source
The outer skin of the rutabaga is thick and tough. For this reason, a traditional vegetable peeler may not work and a paring knife is recommended.
2 Cut each piece into 1 inch (2.54 cm) cubes. With the skin removed, you can now chop your rutabaga. Whether you will be boiling, roasting, or baking this vegetable, you will most likely need it to be in cubes. Take out your sharp knife and cut each slice into 1 inch (2.54 cm) cubes. Repeat with the remaining slices.[5]XResearch source
3 Cover cubes in salted water until ready to use. Place your rutabaga cubes into a bowl and cover them with water. Sprinkle the water with a bit of salt and give it a stir. This will keep your rutabaga fresh until you are ready to use it.[6]XResearch source Advertisement
Community Q&A
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Question Can rutabagas be frozen? Community Answer Rutabagas are best frozen. Canned rutabagas usually discolor and develop a strong flavor. Freeze by cutting into cubes and water-blanch for 3 minutes. Cool, drain and pack into freezer containers or freezer bags, leaving 1/2-inch head space. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 1 Helpful 5
Question Oops. I forgot to peel the rutabaga. Now its cooked, what should I do now? Community Answer You can still peel off the skin after cooking; if anything, it's easier because the rutabaga has softened. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question I need to cut rutabaga, but I'm having a hard time with it. What can I do? Ashley Community Answer You can poke a few holes in a rutabaga with a fork, and then microwave the veggie for about three minutes. That will make the flesh and the skin a bit softer, making peeling and cutting easier. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 2
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Things You’ll Need
Rutabaga
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Small paring knife
Bowl of salted water
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Co-authored by: wikiHow Staff wikiHow Staff Writer This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. This article has been viewed 33,289 times. 47 votes - 80% Co-authors: 3Updated: September 1, 2019 Views: 33,289
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Reader Success Stories
Linda Robertson
Nov 26, 2020
"For years I was doing it all wrong, making it hard on myself. Now here I am in my 70's and just when I need it for my favorite veg, I learned an easier way to do it! Thank you."..." more
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: wikiHow Staff wikiHow Staff Writer Co-authors: 3Updated: September 1, 2019 Views: 33,28980% of voters found this recipe helpful. 47 votes - 80% Click a star to add your vote
Linda Robertson
Nov 26, 2020
"For years I was doing it all wrong, making it hard on myself. Now here I am in my 70's and just when I need it for my favorite veg, I learned an easier way to do it! Thank you."..." more
Mary LaFrance
Oct 20, 2021
"Thanks, man those things are hard as a rock and come with wax all over them. This helps a ton. " Rated this article:
M. Welch
May 21, 2018
"Yes, it helped. I cut it up as you directed and it didn't take long. Thanks!" More success stories Hide success stories
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Co-authored by: wikiHow Staff wikiHow Staff Writer This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. This article has been viewed 33,289 times. 47 votes - 80% Co-authors: 3 Updated: September 1, 2019 Views: 33,289 
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418 
1 Wash the rutabaga. Just as you would with any vegetable, you should thoroughly wash the rutabaga in water before you begin chopping. Be sure to remove any dirt (as rutabagas are root vegetables).[1] 
2 Remove the top and bottom and cut the rutabaga in half. Place your rutabaga on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, remove the hard top and hard bottom of the vegetable. Discard these pieces. Then slice the entire rutabaga in half lengthwise.[2] Advertisement 
Community Answer Rutabagas are best frozen. Canned rutabagas usually discolor and develop a strong flavor. Freeze by cutting into cubes and water-blanch for 3 minutes. Cool, drain and pack into freezer containers or freezer bags, leaving 1/2-inch head space. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 1 Helpful 5 
Community Answer You can still peel off the skin after cooking; if anything, it's easier because the rutabaga has softened. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0 
Ashley Community Answer You can poke a few holes in a rutabaga with a fork, and then microwave the veggie for about three minutes. That will make the flesh and the skin a bit softer, making peeling and cutting easier. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 2