The parsnip (Pastinaca sativa) is a root vegetable.
The parsnip is native to Eurasia; it 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; all belong to the family Apiaceae. Its long, tuberous root has cream-colored skin and flesh. Left in the ground to mature, it becomes sweeter in flavor after winter frosts.
A: A parsnip is a root vegetable native to Eurasia.
A: The parsnip has been used as a vegetable since antiquity.
A: The Romans cultivated the parsnip.
A: The parsnip was used as a sweetener before the arrival of cane sugar in Europe.
A: The parsnip belongs to the family Apiaceae, which also includes carrot and parsley.
A: The skin and flesh of a parsnip are cream-colored.
A: The flavor of a parsnip becomes sweeter after winter frosts if left in the ground to mature.
