Dried turnip powder for thickening

Dried turnip powder for thickening recipe videos

Dried turnip powder is a traditional Chinese culinary ingredient made from dehydrated and ground turnip, often used as a natural thickener for soups, stews, and sauces. It is typically made from white or green turnip varieties, sometimes with added salt or spices for flavor. This ingredient is particularly common in regional Chinese cuisines, such as in Sichuan or Hunan cooking, where it adds a savory, earthy depth to dishes.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

Dried turnip powder is primarily a source of carbohydrates, with minimal fat and a modest amount of plant-based protein. It provides dietary fiber, potassium, and some B vitamins, and a typical serving contains around 50-80 calories.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	55 kcal
Protein	1.5 g
Carbs	12 g
Fat	0.2 g
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	4 g
Sodium	180 mg
Potassium	200 mg
Vitamin C	10 mg
Calcium	40 mg
Iron	0.8 mg
Magnesium	15 mg
Phosphorus	30 mg
Vitamin B6	0.1 mg
Folate	20 µg

Per 1 tablespoon (15 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, this powder is a clever preservation method for turnips, extending their shelf life and allowing year-round use in cooking. Nutritionally, it retains much of the vegetable's fiber and minerals while concentrating its natural umami flavor, making it a healthy, low-fat thickening alternative to cornstarch or flour.