Parsnips – All You Need to Know | Instacart Guide to Fresh Produce

What are parsnips?

Sometimes called “the forgotten vegetable,” parsnips are long and skinny root vegetables and are part of the Apiaceae family. They look like pale carrots because of their cream-colored exterior.

Parships taste different from carrots, however. Whereas carrots are generally sweet, parsnips have a nutty and spicy flavor, like nutmeg.

A popular form of fresh vegetables for soups and stews, parsnips may also be:

• Sliced thin and roasted like french-fried potatoes
• Added as an accompaniment to roasted meats and chicken
• Pureed or mashed and seasoned, to be served as a side dish
• Transformed into a zesty soup
• Shaved and mixed into a salad with other ingredients like apples, parsley, and even potatoes

Where did parsnips originate from?

Parsnips have their roots in Europe and Asia and didn’t become popular in North America until the 17th century. They were first cultivated by the Romans and became especially prevalent in the Middle Ages. A highly esteemed vegetable, the parsnip was even given as a gift. It was also used as a sweetener in Europe before cane sugar became available.

Eventually, parsnips were replaced in popularity by potatoes and carrots, which is why they are sometimes referred to as forgotten.

What is the nutritional value of parsnips?

Packed with fiber and minerals, parsnips contain a wide range of healthy vitamins and even protein. In addition, they are low in fat and very filling. Among their healthy contents are:

• Vitamin C
• Vitamin K
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin B6
• Magnesium
• Zinc
• Folate
• Phosphorous

The vitamin C in parsnips can help reduce symptoms of the common cold and potentially ward off respiratory infections.

Because parsnips are relatively low-calorie and very filling, they are popular choices in weight-loss programs.

How are parsnips grown?

Parsnips are easy to grow but have a long growing season. When they are planted in the spring, they will be ready to harvest in the fall. Farmers plant the seeds about a foot apart to give the roots room to spread. Once planted, they are usually thinned out to allow the healthy plants sufficient room to spread and flourish.

The parsnip plants take about 100 days to reach full maturity. They thrive in sunny spots. The soil in which they are planted must be deep and rich. If the soil is rocky, the roots may become misshapen. The plants should be kept free of weeds for the healthiest plants to survive and thrive.

Today, parsnips are often grown in Michigan, New York, Oregon, and Washington.

When are parsnips in season?

Although typically considered a winter vegetable, parsnips can now be found year-round with other root vegetables in grocery stores.

Parships are at their best from fall to winter, and those grown after the frost may be the tastiest because frost turns the starch in parsnips to sugar.

What should I look for when buying parsnips?

Firm texture and ivory or yellowy-cream colors are signs of the best parsnips. They should be free from blemishes. Small and medium parsnips are sweeter and more tender, and the larger roots can be a little tough and woody and more fibrous.

If you are looking to have your groceries delivered, you can easily shop for parsnips via Instacart. After adding a product to your cart, use the “Instructions” option to notify your Instacart shopper about any preferences or specific directions on how to choose the best products. Shop for parsnips.

How to store parsnips

Parsnips can survive 4 to 6 months if stored properly. Separate the greens from the root and do not wash the parsnips. Like carrots or onions, they should be stored in a dark and cool place like a root cellar, garage, or basement with low humidity and heat. Check on them often and use or remove any roots as they begin to deteriorate. Rotting parsnips cannot be salvaged, so using them while they are fresh or freezing them for future use is the best way to use them.

Do not store them near fruit like apples or pears. Those fruits emit a gas that will give parsnips a bitter taste.

Parsnips can also be wrapped in a paper towel, placed in a plastic bag, and placed in the refrigerator’s vegetable drawer. Or, they can be cut into cubes, cooked, and stored in airtight containers in the freezer for 8 to 10 months.

How to tell if parsnips are bad

As parsnips start to go bad, they become shriveled or wrinkled. A bad parsnip can also be identified by limpness or softness. For example, when held up by one end, the other end drops over. Once parsnips become limp, they will be dehydrated and taste like wood.

Discoloration and dark spots other signs that parsnips are no good.

What can I substitute for parsnips?

Among the substitutes for parsnips are:

• Carrots, although they have a sweeter flavor profile
• Turnips
• Celery root
• Sweet potatoes, especially for some of the uses outlined above, like mashed, pureed, or fried
• Parsley, because of its similar taste
• Radishes
• Kohlrabi
• Salsify, which is also known as an oyster plant because its taste is similar to that of shellfish
• Celeriac or celery root

Home chefs often combine them or experiment with different tastes based on the season or recipe needs as with other root vegetables.

Where can I find parsnips near me?

Parsnips and other root vegetables are available year-round and within 2 hours via Instacart. Find a wide range of fresh produce options for same-day delivery/pick up and add the taste of parsnips to your cooking.

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