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

What is salsify?

Salsify is a root vegetable with large, broad leaves that expand above the ground and features a long black root that grows beneath the earth. The thick interior of the root in the edible portion of the vegetable and the black skin surrounding the root is removed while preparing the salsify for a meal.

Where did salsify originate from?

It is believed that salsify originated from Spain, but it is primarily native to Southern Europe and the Middle East. It’s not common to see salsify outside of Europe, especially the United Kingdom, because the climate is not suitable for growing salsify. The vegetables are prevalent in Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and is also popular in central and southern European countries.

What are the nutritional value and benefits of eating salsify?

Adding salsify to your daily diet will allow for a variety of nutritional benefits for your health.

Salsify has a high level of potassium that helps limit sodium in the body, which helps lower and improve blood pressure by improving blood movement in the vessels. Potassium is also beneficial for establishing strong bones and can help improve cognitive health.

Salsify features enough nutrients to help you reach your daily recommended amount of fiber. This is beneficial to help your body process food and stimulate your digestive system to perform with efficiency. The fiber is also a great form of insulin, which helps stimulate the growth of bifidobacteria in the gut. This, along with the vitamin C in salsify, can help the body absorb nutrients and benefit the immune response.

Salsify is loaded with antioxidants and a range of the vitamin B family, which helps prevent diseases and regulate hormones in the body.

Salsify also features a high level of iron and copper, which will help improve your circulatory health. Iron and copper are critical to the body to help create red blood cells, which stimulates oxygenation to essential tissues and organs. These nutrients can help stimulate hair growth and strength and may also help prevent premature graying.

Other nutrients found in salsify include:

• Calcium manganese
• Phosphorus
• Folate
• Riboflavin
• Thiamine
• Magnesium
• Pantothenic acid
• Ascorbic acid

How is salsify grown?

Salsify begins as a seed that is planted as soon as temperatures warm up. They are planted in deep rows about 1ft apart from one another. Growing salsify requires some patience because the seedlings can take up to 3 weeks to appear. Once they have sprouted, they are thinned out to allow for more space to grow their deep roots.

Growing salsify is pretty low maintenance. Just make sure weeds don’t overtake the area and water them if the weather has been dry.

The salsify roots will be ready to be cultivated around mid-fall and throughout the winter. The flavor of the salsify will improve after every frost. Areas of the world where the ground freezes solid need to harvest as much salsify as possible before a deep freeze since it will be hard to pull them from the ground.

Once salsify has been harvested, they are kept in boxes of damp sand to keep them fresh. The salsify is a delicate plant, and when they’re being harvested, they need to be handled with care to avoid snapping them.

To remove them from the ground, place a utensil like a fork at the base of the leaves and apply a light amount of pressure while moving the fork back and forth to loosen the earth. Repeat this step until the salsify can easily be removed from the ground with gentle force.

When is salsify in season?

Since salsify is typically harvested in the fall and well into winter, you’ll typically see them more available at the store from November through early spring.

What should I look for when buying salsify at the store?

Because salsify has a skin that needs to be removed, you should always look for salsify with thicker stalks. Make sure not to purchase a salsify stalk that appears to be damaged because it will become hard and dry out quicker.

If you are looking to have your groceries delivered, you can easily shop for salsify 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 salsify.

How to store salsify

Salsify will last longer if you don’t wash it until you’re ready to use it. Store salsify in a dark place like a cabinet, pantry, or cellar. The vegetable can also be frozen as well.

How to tell if salsify is bad

Salsify will go bad very fast if it is penetrated or broken. When it spoils, it will have blemishes and mushy spots and will lose firmness.

What can I substitute for salsify?

You can select different substitutions for salsify, depending on how you will prepare them or what you’ll be eating. Typically, asparagus is a good alternative because they’re often prepared the same way. Broccoli or cauliflower are alternatives that are similar to asparagus and salsify.

Vegetable tempura is a good flavorful alternative if you decide to boil the roots or deep fry them. Other substitutions that are similar in flavor or would be good alternatives include artichoke hearts and parsnip.

See other fresh vegetables available near you.

Where to find and buy salsify

Instacart has an excellent selection of salsify. No matter what your schedule, Instacart offers same-day pick-up or delivery options that can benefit your lifestyle. You can use Instacart to browse and buy salsify produce. If you have your order delivered, the shopper can leave it at the door for you and let you know once it’s arrived.

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