What Is a Parsnip and How Do You Use It? (2024)

FAQs

What Is a Parsnip and How Do You Use It? ›

Parsnips are part of the Apiaceae family which includes celery, parsley and fennel. A popular root veg used throughout the year, it can be served roasted, steamed and mashed as well as being a great addition to soups and stews.

A parsnip is a long, tapered root vegetable. It resembles a carrot in this way, and indeed they are part of the same family. But parsnips don't taste like carrots. They're sweeter—think sweet potatoes—and they have a delicious naturally nutty or earthy flavor.

Parsnips may look like white carrots, and both vegetables are part of the parsley family, but the lighter colored, usually larger tubers are often treated more like potatoes due to their starchier texture.

Parsnips are usually cooked but can also be eaten raw. They have a lot going on nutritionally: They are filled with vitamins, high in the minerals potassium and manganese, and a good source of fiber.

If you are going to consume a large amount of parsnips then you should peel them. Parsnips contain a group of natural toxins called furocoumarins which can cause stomach aches if consumed in large quantities. These toxins are concentrated on the surface of the parsnip so peeling them will help reduce the toxin levels.

Parsnip Side Effects:

The leaves, stems, flowers of wild parsnips contain a toxic sap which on contact or when consumed can cause phytophotodermatitis resulting in severe burns, rashes, or blisters.

Root vegetables are still fresh whole foods that contain many vitamins and minerals. Eating a variety of them is good for your health. Fung says that, if you're healthy, you can probably eat one serving of root vegetables every day.

One serving of parsnips provides about 20 percent of the DRI for women and about 13 percent for men. Fiber also helps to slow down sugar absorption to avoid spikes in your blood sugar. Although parsnips have a higher glycemic index of 52, they have so much fiber that the sugars don't absorb all at once.

Though they may seem pricey at $2.99 a pound, Tomizza says the seeds are much more expensive than carrots, they're more expensive to grow, harvest and pack and workers have to cut off the leafy tops by hand.

The flavor of parsnips pairs well with other root vegetables, like beets, sweet potatoes, and carrots. They're also delicious with cauliflower, potatoes, and Brussels sprouts. Don't be afraid to roast these parsnips with other veggies of choice for a fiber-rich, delicious side dish.

Are parsnips worth it? ›

Parsnips are an excellent source of many important nutrients, packing a hearty dose of fiber, vitamins, and minerals into each serving. In particular, parsnips are a great source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate, as well as several other important micronutrients.

Did you know that parsnips are primarily harvested in winter because they taste better when the weather is cold? Once parsnips experience frost, they becomes sweeter and tastier. Stored starches in the parsnip are broken down and converted to sugar, which is why they have that delicious sweetness.

Steaming parsnips really lets their flavour sing – just make sure you cut out the inner core from older, woodier roots before cooking them.

Sweet and robust, parsnips are often the first side dish to be scoffed. However, they can be used for much more than simply a roasted side. Like their relative, carrots, they can be used in sweet dishes and brunch recipes, and deserve to take centre stage as the star component of a main course.

Store parsnips, unwashed, in a plastic bag or wrapped in paper towel in the fridge. They should last for 2 weeks. Cooked parsnips may be refrigerated and used within three days. To freeze, cut parsnips into 1/2-inch cubes and partially cook by boiling or steaming until tender.