Parsnip

The parsnip (Pastinaca sativa) is a root vegetable. It is native to Eurasia. Its long, tuberous root has cream-colored skin and flesh. Left in the ground to mature, it gains a sweeter flavor after winter frosts.Rubatsky V.E. et al 1999. Carrots and related vegetable Umbelliferae. CABI Publishing. ISBN 978-0-85199-129-0

The parsnip has been used as a vegetable since antiquity. It was cultivated by the Romans. It was used as a sweetener before the arrival in Europe of cane sugar.

The plant is closely related to carrot and parsley; they all belong to the family Apiaceae.

 References 

Category:Root vegetables
Category:Apiaceae