If you don’t know how to grow parsnips yet, it’s likely someone told you they were hard to grow. This would be unfair, in our opinion. The humble parsnip (Pastinaca sativa) is low maintenance and thrives in any number of spaces. What tends to catch people out about these tantalizing taproots is germination – but don’t let that stop you. Get the basics right, and you can enjoy months of rich and spicy roots.
Their tapered lengths may be gnarled and nobbly, but these unassuming taproots have long been revered. Gardeners back in the day were growing parsnips well before potatoes became the starchy staple of choice. They were used to sweeten jams until sugar beets and cane sugar came along. They even helped to make wine and beer thanks to their fermenting properties! High in vitamin C and E, and packed with potassium, fiber and antioxidants, they make excellent anti-inflammatories, help to reduce cholesterol, boost brain health and fuel the immune system.
