Neeps are a Scottish name for a root vegetable—specifically swede, also known as rutabaga or “Swedish turnip.”

What are neeps?

  • In Scotland, “neeps” usually means swede/rutabaga, a large, round root with purple skin and yellow or cream flesh.
  • They are part of the Brassica family (related to cabbage and turnip) and are hardy winter vegetables that store well in cold weather.

How are neeps used in food?

  • Neeps are most famous as part of “neeps and tatties,” a traditional side dish of mashed swede and mashed potatoes served with haggis, especially on Burns Night.
  • They can be boiled and mashed, roasted, or added to soups and stews; the flavour is slightly sweet, nutty, and a bit like a less-sweet, buttery potato or butternut squash.

Extra cultural notes

  • In Scottish tradition, neeps have even been hollowed out into “neepie lanterns” for Halloween, with faces carved into them like tougher versions of pumpkins.
  • “Neep” can also be a light, joking insult or term of endearment in some Scottish dialects (for someone being a bit silly).

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.