Copius
Parsnip, drawn for Copius

Parsnip

Panais

Latin namePastinaca sativa
FamilyVegetables
OriginEurasia
Season (France)October – March
FlavourSweet · Earthy · Nutty · Warm
Typical price (France)3–5 €/kg

What it is

Before sugar beet, this was how northern Europe sweetened things — parsnips went into cakes, jams and a passable wine. The potato took its place in the eighteenth century and it has been recovering the ground ever since.

In the kitchen

Cut out the woody core of any large one. It never softens and it drags the whole dish down.

Goes with

Honey Thyme Butter Nutmeg Apple Cream Black pepper Hazelnut

In season alongside

Borlotti bean Brussels sprout Butternut squash Cauliflower Earth chestnut Jerusalem artichoke

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