[engineer]

I seem to be having a problem with swede, the type i have sown is Invitation from Johnson's, I don't know why but everyone i have harvested, for me and other people, have turned out to have a very unpleasent bitter taste when cooked. My wife has tried mixing with carrots and mashing them but the bitterness still comes through. Any ideas anyone?.

[mumofstig]

They tend to be bitter if they dried out at any stage 

[Baldy]

Could be a number of things - though I;m not a swede expert...
If they are allowed to dry out during the season that can have an impact. I think they can also benefit from some cold/frost before being at their best. Googling also saw mention of boron deficiency. MIne have been allowed to get a little too big so I suspect they may be past their best.

Finally... made me think of:

'Bitter Swede Symphony" - The Verve   

(I'll get my coat)

[ARPoet]

My swedes have been ok taste wise but very small this year. i put it down to the very hot and dry spell we had just as the plants were growing.

[engineer]

I think it could be due to drying out, I have very sandy soil which dries out easily, when the rest of the country was having the storms we missed them completely, never mind I did some early and late so hopefully the later ones will be ok.