One of the reasons why people may become confused between these two root crops is they come from the same family which is the Brassica family. One difference is that rutabaga will seem to be the hybrid of a cabbage and a turnip.
This means that it is also going to be softer as compared to the turnip. In terms of appearance, there are also going to be some differences. The turnip will usually come with a white flesh while the rutabaga is going to have a bit of a purple skin although some of it would also be white.
When it comes to taste, there is also going to be a bit of a difference. The rutabaga is going to be sweeter than the turnip.
Turnip and Rutabaga are both root plants and belong to the same family and class of plants. These species can be separated and are often mistaken for each other. Turnips are usually white or white and purple. Turnips can be grown in any climate and are harvested when they are small. They are used for human consumption as vegetables in salads, casseroles, and soup, and the large wooden ones are used to feed livestock.
Rutabaga is a root plant that has yellow flesh and yellow or brown skin. They are commonly called swede or yellow turnip; they are harvested when they are big, not small like Turnips. Rutabaga is sweeter than turnips. Rutabaga must be grown in cold temperatures to prevent damage.