Parsnip Hollow Crown

Parsnip Hollow Crown is one of the oldest varieties of parsnip, with probably still the best flavour of all, with a depth and richness unmatched by most other varieties. It has been grown since at least the 1850’s and is still very popular among gardeners in the know. In the Middle Ages, it reigned supreme because it was nutritious, filling and delectably sweet. It reigned until a tuber from the New World, the potato, displaced it with its versatility.

This has long smooth, uniform tapering roots, a tender texture and delicious flavour. The best flavour comes in cooler areas when parsnips are harvested after the first frosts as this causes their flesh to convert starches into sugar.

Parsnips are not fussy about what soil types they grow in. For all plants that have deep-growing roots as the parsnip and if you wish to grow the long, ‘perfect’ looking parsnip, you will need deep soil, that has recently been manured and is stone free. If parsnips hit a stone while growing they tend to fork.

They grow best in a light, rich soil. A generous amount of compost added to the soil will help provide aeration and a uniform distribution of moisture, besides being a food supply for the plants.

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Photo credit – See-ming Lee Flickr