The Swedish turnip is native to the north of Europe and was very popular during the XVIth and XVIIth centuries in the centre and east of Europe. It is thought that swede or Swedish turnip probably grew as a hybrid between turnip (Brassica napa) and cabbage (Brassica oleracea).

There are no data in regard to the economic value of such species in the Agrarian Statistics Yearbook of the Ministerio de Agricultura; they are maybe included along with turips.

However, it is clear that its yield is superior to that of turnips, between 40 and 60 t/ha. Germany is the main producer and consumer of Swedish turnip in Europe.