A parsnip looks like a white carrot that tastes sweet and nutty. They have been documented as being part of our ancient culture. Parsnip nutritional benefits produce powerful cancer fighting qualities by helping to keep cholesterol levels balanced and to help keep our digestion healthy. This is an easy root vegetable to grow and simple to cook with. They contain more fiber then most other vegetables, making them a great help for colon disorders. In the garden, Parsnip acts as a natural insecticide, keeping bugs away naturally.

Parsnip Nutritional Benefits

Rich in Vitamin B6, Vitamin C and Vitamin E
Provides the body with copper, manganese and folic acid
High in fiber, helps with constipation
Drinking juiced parsnip assists the lungs and bronchial system
Contains niacin, thiamine, magnesium and potassium
Helps reduce high blood pressure and heart problems
Rich in silicon, prevents brittle nails

How to Grow Parsnip for maximum nutritional benefits

Pasnip seed is flat round and brown which you can scatter on the ground where you want them to grow.
Add lots of compost to the soil before you plant your parsnips.
Use a fork to loosen the ground before sowing the seed, without turning the soil, so the roots can penetrate easily.
Cover the seeds with a light layer of soil and press it down.
Water the area with a light spray for ten days, and the seedlings should appear.
Once your seedlings are standing about eight centimetres high, you thin them out, much like thinning carrots.
Thinning means that you remove every second plant to allow space for the root to develop.

Companions of Parsnip

They enjoy the company of Onions, Radish, Garlic, Pea, Pepper and Potato They prefer to be separate from Caraway, Carrot and Celery.

Tips on Harvesting and Cooking Parsnip

They can be baked, steamed, roasted and boiled
Boiled parsnips can be mashed. Add a little butter, milk, salt and pepper for taste.
They can take up to three to four months to reach maturity before harvesting.
Make sure the ground is moist and loose before taking them out the ground.
The stems will snap off at the root if the ground is hard and dry.
If it does happen to snap, use a fork to loosen the root to get it out of the ground.
Be careful that you do not damage the root when you dig around it.
Wash the roots well, removing any soil remaining on the vegetable.

Recipe with Parsnip
Parsnip and Broad Bean Curry Soup

1 chopped onion
Curry powder / masala
Cumin seeds, aniseed, coriander seeds
3-4 parsnips (peeled and chopped)
1-2 cups dried broad beans (soaked overnight) or 1 can of red kidney or black beans
2-3 peeled and chopped potatoes
2-3 grated carrots
2 cloves garlic
Salt and pepper
Oil for frying
Fry the onion, add curry and masala, cumin seeds, aniseed, coriander seeds to taste.
Fry lightly.
Stir and then add the vegetables and water, cook for 30-40 minutes, till the parsnips, beans and potatoes are tender.
Add the garlic salt and pepper.
Serve with home-baked bread. This is a delicious treat for a cold day.

The list of parsnip nutritional benefits concludes that this vegetable gives us plenty of reasons to incorporate it into our diets.

Author's Bio

Jeannine Davidoff is a mother, artist, writer, organic gardener, permaculture consultant, yoga teacher, freelance journalist living in Scottburgh, South Africa. My 21st century focus is on communicating knowledge and sharing my art. I have a blog that shows my collection of growing art, poetry and writings. I have a companion planting blog that describes individual plants,how they grow, their companion plants and antagonists, their herbal uses and nutiritional value.
In a series of articles, I'll explain How to Start an Organic Garden in 5 Important Steps. How to intergrate Organic Gardening with Companion Planting. What organic means and the benefits of having an organic garden companion planting.

Featured Artist Jeannine D

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