Parsnips

Parsnips: What You Need to Know about These Root Vegetables

Parsnips are root vegetables that have long been a part of European diets. In the United States, however, these vegetables haven't become as familiar to consumers until recently. Parsnips are related to carrots, but they have a slightly sweeter, nuttier taste that make them an interesting addition to many dishes. Understanding parsnips and the journey they take to get to your dinner plate can help you better appreciate why they are such a valuable part of any pantry.

What are Parsnips?

Parsnips are a root vegetable found growing in temperate climates. The vegetable is a member of the Apiaceae family, which includes carrots, parsley, and fennel. It was cultivated by the Ancient Greeks and Romans, who used the high-fructose carbohydrate in both sweet and savory recipes. Parsnips are grown in a variety of soil types, but they prefer damp, loose soil that has plenty of manure added to it.

The plant itself can reach up to 3 feet tall, and its bright green foliage gives way to the edible parsnip below ground. Each parsnip is shaped like a carrot but is typically bent or oddly shaped. A mature parsnip can range from a pale yellow to a light brown color and can sometimes be spotted with dark spots. Before reaching the dinner plate, parsnips must be peeled and, in some cases, grilled or boiled.

The Creation of Parsnips

Parsnips are grown in a variety of ways, but most commercial farmers use a seed-broadcasting method, where the seeds are spread onto the soil and covered. A weed-free environment is ideal for the parsnip plant, so weeds must be controlled to ensure a healthy crop. This is why farmers use herbicides, mulch, and tilling to keep the soil weed-free. When the plants reach a few inches tall, they can be thinned in order to produce fewer but larger yields.

In terms of growing parsnips, extensive monitoring and inspections must take place over the course of several weeks. Specifically, the farmer must monitor the soil temperature, soil moisture, and pest control until the parsnips are ready to be harvested. Usually, the harvesting process begins in September and lasts for about six weeks; after that, it is time to move the parsnips to the farm stands, grocery stores, and restaurants.

Getting Parsnips to Your Plate

Once they have gone through the growing, harvesting, and inspecting process, parsnip turnips can be packed and shipped across the country, or even around the world. In most cases, countries require a certain level of food safety regulation when it comes to these root vegetables. For example, the European Union stipulates that all packaged, processed, and canned vegetables must comply with their E-numbers. That's why you can find hard-copy allergen information labels on many parsnip turnip packages.

Once the parsnips reach the market, it will be up to you to make sure you select the best ones. Look for the longest and cleanest vegetables, as those are usually the healthiest. You'll also want to avoid discolored or dry ones, as those indicate that the parsnip has been stored for too long. Once you have picked a high-quality parsnip, it's time for it to make its journey to your dinner plate.

Cooking Parsnips

Many people cook parsnips by boiling, which is a relatively quick and easy way to prepare them. To do this, clean and peel the parsnips then add them to a pot of boiling salted water. Boil them for about 15 minutes (or until they are tender), drain the water, and season your parsnips with butter, salt, and pepper. Alternatively, you can also cook parsnips in a slow cooker, in the oven, or in a skillet. This allows the vegetables to develop a richer flavor due to the extended exposure to heat.

Once parsnips are fully cooked, they can be enjoyed in many different dishes. You can use them as a side dish for roasts and other meats, or you can use them to create a main course. Parsnip mash and roasted parsnips are both popular options, and the tasty vegetable can be used to create a delicious soup or stew as well. Parsnips are also a great source of dietary fiber and Vitamin C, making them an excellent addition to any healthy diet.

Conclusion

Parsnips have long been staples of European diets, but they have only recently become popular in the United States. The vegetable is closely related to carrots, but it has a distinctive sweet, nutty flavor that makes it a valued ingredient in many recipes. In order to get parsnips to your dinner plate, they must go through a long pipeline, involving growing, harvesting, inspecting, packing, and shipping. Ultimately, cooking parsnips is a simple process, and the root vegetable can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes. Whether it is a side dish or a main, adding parsnips to your meals can help you add more vegetables to your diet and provide a welcome change to your culinary experience.