Parsnips take a long time to grow. I sowed mine on 8th March and harvested the first of them on 1st November. But then, you only use a few at a time and they keep in good condition for a long time too. If you didn't harvest them they would stay in useable condition for at least another three months.
During their growing period the plants produce a lot of luxuriant foliage and store away lots of energy in their deep tap-roots. This is a photo of my Parsnips taken on 29th June, when the foliage was about three feet tall. They are covered with Enviromesh to protect them and their neighbouring Carrots from Carrot Root Fly.
The "Duchess" Parsnips are (mostly!) long and straight, as they are supposed to be, but the "Guernsey Half Long" ones are described as "medium short (8 to 10 inches)". They are quite broad at the shoulder, but they taper rapidly down to very long thin roots:
The big one in the center of that group is a "Duchess" Parsnip, while the others are "Guernsey Half Long".
Harvesting Parsnips is always a hit-and-miss affair. Since the roots are broad at the top you pull up what you think is going to be a big one, but it often turns out to be a small one!
I am pleased with my Parsnips this year. Growing them in that deep bed full of sandy, light compost has produced mostly pretty regular roots, with only a few wierdos, and they have smooth, almost canker-free skins.
The smaller ones will have to be cooked whole, while the bigger ones will need to be halved, I think.
I think the best way to eat Parsnips is roasted (preferably in goose fat!), but they are also very nice made into curried Parsnip soup. What's your favorite way of eating them?
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P.S. Thanks for all your good wishes and commiserations concerning our colds. I wish I could say that we are feeling better, but if I did it would be a lie! how much longer can this thing last..??
