Parsnip

species of plant, source of parsnip root vegetable

The parsnip (Pastinaca sativa) is a root vegetable.

Parsnip
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Apiales
Family: Apiaceae
Genus: Pastinaca
Species:
P. sativa
Binomial name
Pastinaca sativa

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.[2]

References

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  1. "Pastinaca sativa". Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN). Agricultural Research Service (ARS), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Retrieved 2008-03-02.
  2. Rubatsky V.E. et al 1999. Carrots and related vegetable Umbelliferae. CABI Publishing. ISBN 978-0-85199-129-0