Parsnips

No these are not white carrots. That is what a cashier at a local grocery store asked many years ago. They are parsnips and my husbands grandmother loved them.

So what are parsnips??
Parsnips is a root vegetable that is related tot he carrot and parsley. Normally grown as an annual but is truly a biennial plant. The parsnip is long tube like root that is cream colored in both skin and flesh. The longer left in the ground it becomes sweeter in flavor. However if left to long it will flower at the stem and the root will be non edible.

The parsnip has been used as a vegetable for many years and dates back to Romans use. The parsnip arrived in the U.S.A in the 19th century.

Parsnips can be prepared a number of ways. They are normally cooked before eating but may also be ate raw. Parsnips are high in both vitamins and minerals. Parsnips are high in potassium, antioxidants and fiber.