"Neeps" is a Scottish word for turnips, known as swedes in England and, I believe, as rutabaga in the US.

Neeps and tatties (i.e. mashed turnips and mashed potatoes) are the traditional accompaniment to haggis. Sometimes served mixed together, in which case it's known as clapshot.

Thank you Hanl. That sounds pretty good. Here in Australia we call them turnips as well. I hope Scottish people are into parsnips as well. They are a sensational vegetable. I think tryingnew foods and the different ways that food is cooked is one blessing of overseas travel.

We went to a Burns Supper here in Ohio last month and they did not have neeps. My poor Scottish husband.

And, he definitely likes parsnips!

Have some scrag end while you're about it :)

scrag end?

From what I can tell, it's a bit of fatty meat, served with neeps and tatties for a true crofter's fare :)

Yikers. Doesn't sound heart foundation approved but worth a try anyway. Maybe I should take some vegemite and introduce that to the Scottish people.

I believe Scotland is known for having the most people with heart/cholesterol problems in Europe.

Wow Amelie, that is amazing. I guess our 5 days there won't hurt. With all the walking we should be doing I am sure we will be fine.

You'll be fine, indulge!

Have a great trip, I'm sure you will love it.

Indulgence is guaranteed!

Ozrick, we can buy Vegemite here, but most people prefer the British version which is called Marmite.

The parsnip season is in full swing at the farmer's market at the moment, but they along with other root veg (swede, turnip, celeriac, kohl rabi, beetroot) are really just available (as fresh, local supplies) in the winter (can't remember if I've bought local carrots in the summer or not). Although of course we do see root veg from all over the world, the whole year round, in big supermarkets. We've been eating a lot of root veg plus black cabbage and curly kale recently.

Wow I am impressed you can buy vegemite there. I have tried Marmite, they eat it a lot in New Zealand. Still prefer Vegemite though. I have not heard of black cabbage or curly Kale so hopefully we can try them when we are there in April.

Hi ozrick. If you are a foodie & here on a Saturday, you will proably find the farmers' market interesting even if you are not in a position to buy anything. It's on Castle Terrace, theoretically from 9am to 2pm although I think they start packing up from noon. I like to get there early to beat the crowds. Not all stalls are there every week so some weeks are better than others, but I'm always spoilt for choice !