| Parsnips are a creamy white skinned vegetable with | | | | Some people believe parsnips to be an aphrodisiac or |
| a green leafy top that are steeped in a rich history. | | | | even a cure all for relieving a toothache or tired feet. |
| Parsnips have been cultivated since ancient roman | | | | In Italy parsnips are used to feed pigs in Parma, |
| times, it is even documented that Emperor Tiberius | | | | these pigs then become delicious Parma Ham. |
| brought parsnips to Rome from France and Germany | | | | Parsnips grow wild but are more common in |
| where they grew along the banks of the Rhine River. | | | | commercial farms. Commercial farmers have found |
| Parsnips are a root vegetable from the Umbelliferae | | | | that by harvesting the parsnips and storing them for |
| family which includes such favorites as carrots, | | | | two weeks in temperatures ranging from 32° - |
| chervil, parsley, fennel and celery. Parsnips are also an | | | | 34°F the starches in the parsnips will begin to |
| excellent form of nutrition. The average 9" parsnip | | | | turn to sugars. Beware of wild parsnips for they may |
| has around 130 calories, no saturated fat, no | | | | actually by water hemlock. Water hemlock looks like |
| cholesterol and is high in fiber, folic acid, calcium, | | | | parsnip but is poisonous. |
| potassium and vitamins B1, B2, B3, C, iron and zinc. | | | | When buying parsnips look for firm small to medium |
| Parsnips have a wide range of uses, in Ireland | | | | sized ones, if the parsnip is too large it will have a |
| parsnips are used to make beer and wine. During | | | | woody center. Parsnips can be kept raw in the |
| World War II parsnips were used to make mock | | | | refrigerator for up to 3 weeks in the vegetable |
| bananas. The parsnips were mashed and mixed with | | | | crisper or in a vented plastic bag. After cooking |
| banana essence to curb the desire for bananas during | | | | parsnips can be kept refrigerated for 2-3 days. |
| the war. | | | | Parsnips can be prepared in a wide variety of ways. |