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Parsnip

Parsnips are a staple of winter veg boxes - you may find yourself getting them many weeks in a row.

Early in the season they're small and sweet. Later in the season they can be more woody.

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Parsnip


About Parsnip

Parsnip is a root vegetable, with green leaves above the ground and the long, yellow-white edible root below the ground.

It's in season from about November to February and is an essential ingredient in winter food in the UK.

It's relatively sweet, like carrots, and contains good levels of potassium.

It is stronger in flavour than carrot.

On the dinner plate, it is often roasted, mashed or added to stews and soups.

It originates from Asia and has been eaten in Europe since ancient times. But its popularity waned after the introduction of the potato in our diet, which has largely taken its place.

Did you know...?
Frost is essential to help parsnip to develop its flavour, so it's best to wait until after the first frost before harvesting.


How To Choose

Smaller parsnips are less woody and are slightly sweeter than large ones.

Choose a parsnip while it's still firm and preferably without too much root damage (this allows bacteria in).


How To Store

Parsnips keep for a couple of weeks in the fridge.

If you've got muddy ones, don't bother cleaning them first. The mud helps protect them and can be scrubbed off just before cooking.


How To Use

There's no need to peel organic parsnips. Many of the nutrients are just below the surface of the skin.

Trim the stalk and the root and then you can:

Chop into chunks and boil for 10 minutes, until soft.

Or...

Do as above, then mash with butter.

Or...

Chop into "chip shapes" and bake with some olive oil for 30 minutes at 190C until soft in the middle and crunchy on the outside.
 

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Roast Parsnip Roast Parsnip is a delicious and simple way of serving this autumnal vegetable. The roasting cooks the parsnip slowly, making them even sweeter than they already are. Throw in a few spare carrots and double the veggie quota.

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Got one? Send us your parsnip recipe!

 
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