What is Parsnip?
{{speciesbox |name = Parsnip |image = PastinakePflanzegeerntet.jpg |image_caption = |genus = Pastinaca |species = sativa |authority = [[Carl Linnaeus|L.]]<ref>{{GRIN | accessdate=2008-03-02}}</ref> }} The '''parsnip''' (''Pastinaca sativa'') is a [[root vegetable]]. The parsnip is native to [[Eurasia]]; it has been used as a vegetable since [[Classical antiquity|antiquity]]. It was cultivated by [[Ancient Rome|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 [[Frost|frosts]].<ref>Rubatsky V.E. ''et al'' 1999. Carrots and related vegetable Umbelliferae. ''CABI Publishing''. ISBN 978-0-85199-129-0</ref> == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:Root vegetables]] [[Category:Apiaceae]]