[Chezjoie]

It's been our first year as allotment holders, although we've grown a lot of veg before when we had a bigger garden.  As a 'guid Scots lass', we had to plant lots of swede (neeps!).  Most of them are huge, but so far, they have absolutely no taste!  

We lifted one in August to try ... and other in September ... both were white and bland.  

Am I right in saying we just need to leave them longer to ripen or mature?  I know they are very much a winter crop, so it should be too early, but I didn't expect them to be tasteless ... a bit woody perhaps.

Given the amount of rain we've had, we've got some the size of footballs, and I'd hate to have to compost the lot!  

Has anyone else had the same problem?

[gregmcalister]

I've not really had any trouble with mine. I'm gowing Marian this year and so far so good. I've been eating them since the late summer and I was quite impressed with the flavour.  What variety are you growing?

[Chezjoie]

The variety is Angela.  The reviews say it has a good flavour, not so far it hasn't!  We've just lifted another one to try over the weekend ... so perhaps only time will tell.  

We bought one last week from our local supermarket (no greengrocers where we live) and it was OK, but not fanstastic.  We'll have to make sure we try a different variety next year.

[jsmzxc]

Are they truly neaps? Idf so they need a good frosting. Root veggies often taste better with a good frosting. Especially swedes and parsnips. Something to do with the sugar....

[Chezjoie]

Yes.  I know they are better after frost, which we are eagerly awaiting!  I thought that had an effect on the texture.  My feeling is we had so much rain, they got too big too fast and hence the lack of taste.  On the other hand ... it might just be the variety.  I live in hope!