In my October 2nd post, Unidentified Root Vegetables, there were some differing opinions as to whether the veggies from the farmer’s market were turnips, beets or radishes. Well, yesterday I returned to the Annandale Farmer’s Market and went straight to the source. The vendor identified the red root vegetables as scarlet red turnips. Good going YogaforCynics, Jan from BetterSpines and rose! I don’t think there was any question that the white veggies were white turnips, but the red ones tripped up some, including me. Above are some more scarlet red turnips from yesterday’s market. It’s hard to get a good idea of their size from my photo, but this one of scarlet red turnips from another blog gives you a better look.

Above are radishes sold by the same vendor. They were smaller than the red turnips, pretty similar to those sold in grocery stores, and their leaf tops were much more delicate–more slender and shorter–than the stalks on the scarlet red turnips.

Above are beets, very different from the scarlet red turnips.

And here’s the vendor. I didn’t think to ask his name, but I hope he stops by and maybe even leaves a comment. I told him I’d be posting him and his veggies on the blog. Here, he’s standing next to, from the foreground, red turnips, white turnips, radishes and grape tomatoes. He’s holding a slice of beet, which was very good raw. He also gave me a slice of the white turnip, which was crunchy and sweet like an apple, but with a delicate turnip flavor. I believe he said he likes to toss the white turnips with a little salt and vinegar. Thank you, Mr. Vendor, for all your help.

Thanks, everyone, for all your suggestions. Yay! Root vegetables, identified.