California has the artichoke, Georgia has the Vidalia Onion, New Mexico has frijoles, Utah has both the sugar beet and the sweet onion, Idaho of course has the potato. . . and Vermont has the Gilfeather Turnip, official state vegetable starting this year.
The Gilfeather Turnip (which is actually a cross between a turnip and a rutabaga) originated at the end of the 1800’s on a Wardsboro farm owned by John Gilfeather. It is known for being sweeter than other turnips, especially after a frost. It can also grow quite large before getting woody. It is sufficiently versatile and delicious that there is a whole cookbook dedicated to Gilfeather Turnip recipes, available through the Friends of Wardsboro Library.
Every year, Wardsboro celebrates its turnip with their Gilfeather Turnip Festival. This year they have extra reason to celebrate with the successful effort, led by Wardsboro Elementary 6th graders, to name it the state vegetable. The Brattleboro Reformer reports on the excitement surrounding the festival and notes the following highlights:
- A Turnip Themed Art Show
- Launch of the 3rd edition of the Gilfeather Turnip Cookbook (newly updated, with 100 turnip recipes)
- A Turnip Cart with over 1,000 pounds of turnips available for festival attendees
- A turnip contest with categories that include largest, best name, and funniest
- Turnip tastings at the Turnip Cafe
- Turnip themed souvenirs
- The famously delicious Turnip Latkes and the Four Columns Inn’s Turnip Soup
- Live music
- Vendors along Main Street, similar to a farmers market
Proceeds from the festival go to supporting the Wardsboro Library. You can visit the festival’s website here and read the extended Brattleboro Reformer article “With Nod From State, Gilfeather Turnip Festival To Be Extra Special This Year“. The Festival is happening Saturday, October 22nd, from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm in downtown Wardsboro, VT.
Source: Dig in VT Trails