Prairie Turnip is an herbaceous perennial plant which is inherent to Plains of Central North America. The tuberous roots are consumed. Native Americans were the first one to utilize the Prairie turnip as a food medicine. The roots were used to cure gas related pains, sore throat and ease fractures and sprains. The root of Prairie Turnip is rich in fibers, protein, and carbohydrates.
| Name | Prairie Turnips |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Psoralea esculenta |
| Native | Prairies, dry woodlands of Central North America |
| Common/English Name | Prairie Turnip, Tipsin, Indian Breadroot, Timpsula, Scurfpea, Teepsenee, Tipsin, Breadroot scurf pea, Breadroot, Pomme blanche, Large Indian breadroot, Pomme de Terre and Tipsinna |
| Name in Other Languages | Chinese: Shi Yong Bu Gu Zhi French: Pomme Blanche German: Prairierübe Japanese: Pusorarea Esukurenta |
| Plant Growth Habit | Herbaceous perennial |
| Soil | Well drained |
| Lifespan | 3 to 6 years or more than that |
| Root | Starchy tuberous |
| Stem | Hairy, 30 cm (12 inch) |
| Leaf | Alternate, oblong to egg shaped, elongate to oval; Length: 2-6 cm |
| Flowering Season | July – August |
| Flower | Short, cylindrical, blue or purple, Length: 5-10 cm (4 inch) |
| Tuber shape & size | Spindle shape, Length: 4-10 cm (4 inch) |
| Flesh color | White |
| Tuber peel | Thin |
| Fruit Season | Early July to Late August |
| Major Nutritions (Raw) | Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) 0.059 mg (4.54%) Selenium, Se 1.9 µg (3.45%) Carbohydrate 4.49 g (3.45%) Total dietary Fiber 1 g (2.63%) Iron, Fe 0.16 mg (2.00%) Magnesium, Mg 8 mg (1.90%) Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) 0.022 mg (1.83%) Calcium, Ca 16 mg (1.60%) Manganese, Mn 0.034 mg (1.48%) Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) 0.011 mg (0.85%) |
| Health Benefits |
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| Calories in 1 bulb peeled (12.6 gm) Raw | 20 Kcal. |
| Traditional uses |
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| Precautions |
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