Description
Savour the earthy sweetness of our parsnip bunches, perfect for roasting, mashing, soups, or adding a flavourful twist to your favourite dishes. Available in our Local Farm Shop in Bellaghy, Mid Ulster Area.
🥕 Parsnips are cream-colored root vegetables that resemble pale carrots but offer a distinct flavor and texture all their own. Here’s a full breakdown of what makes them special:
🌱 Botanical Profile
- Scientific name: Pastinaca sativa
- Family: Apiaceae (same as carrots, parsley, and celery)
- Native to: Eurasia
- Growth habit: Biennial plant typically grown as an annual for its edible taproot
🍽️ Appearance & Taste
- Shape: Long, tapered root—similar to a carrot but usually thicker
- Skin & Flesh: Creamy white to pale yellow
- Flavor: Sweet, nutty, and earthy with hints of spice—especially pronounced after frost exposure
- Texture: Starchy and tender when cooked; slightly fibrous when raw
🧑🍳 Culinary Uses
- Cooking methods: Roasted, mashed, sautéed, pureed, or added to soups and stews
- Pairings: Excellent with herbs like thyme and rosemary, and flavors like garlic, honey, or mustard
- Raw use: Can be grated into salads, though less common due to its fibrous texture
💪 Nutritional Highlights
- Rich in: Vitamin C, Vitamin K, folate, potassium, and dietary fiber
- Health benefits:
- Supports digestion
- Boosts immune function
- Low in calories, high in antioxidants
🌿 Fun Facts
- Before sugarcane was widely available, parsnips were used as a natural sweetener in Europe
- Parsnip sap can cause skin irritation when exposed to sunlight—handle with care!
