[header] How to cook turnips [title] Choose the freshest turnips. [step] Fresh turnips will feature a heavy skin, be firm to the touch, and have lush green tops. Avoid any turnips with brown spots or have unhealthy looking green tops, as these are sure indicators of older age. 
The older your turnip, the more bitter it will taste. [title] Use a sharp knife to cut off the green stalks.