Turnip greens in Southern U.S. cuisine

Turnip greens in Southern U.S. cuisine recipe videos

Turnip greens are a staple leafy green side dish in Southern U.S. cuisine, typically slow-simmered with smoked meats like ham hocks or bacon for flavor. The greens are often cooked with onions and sometimes a splash of vinegar, and are traditionally served with their cooking pot liquor.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is very low in carbohydrates and fat (depending on the amount of smoked meat used), but provides a good amount of plant-based protein. It is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and fiber, with a typical serving containing around 50-100 calories.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	40 kcal
Protein	3.5 g
Carbs	6 g
Fat	1.5 g
Fiber	4 g
Sugar	1 g
Sodium	300 mg
Vitamin A	10000 IU
Vitamin C	45 mg
Vitamin K	500 mcg
Calcium	200 mg
Iron	2 mg
Potassium	350 mg
Magnesium	30 mg
Folate	120 mcg

Per 1 cup (180 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, the practice of saving and sipping the flavorful 'pot liquor' is a hallmark of Southern cooking, believed to contain many of the nutrients leached from the greens. Nutritionally, cooking greens with a small amount of fat (like bacon grease) helps the body absorb their fat-soluble vitamins.