Parsnip Facts

Learn fun parsnip facts and general information about parsnips. This page includes how parsnips grow, how to choose and store them, nutrition facts, and easy parsnip recipe ideas.

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Fun Parsnip Facts

Parsnips are a root vegetable that grow underground.
They look like white or cream-colored carrots.
Parsnips are often sweeter after cold weather.
They can be roasted, sautéed, or added to soups and stews.
Parsnips contain fiber and several important vitamins and minerals.

How Parsnips Grow, Buying Tips, and Storage

When Parsnips Are Available

Parsnips are commonly available in autumn and winter.

How Do Parsnips Grow?

Parsnips grow underground as a root vegetable.

What to Look for When Buying Parsnips

Parsnips look like white carrots. Choose parsnips that are crisp, firm, and unblemished.

Parsnip Storage Tips

Store parsnips in the refrigerator.

Kid Tip: Ask an adult to help peel and cut parsnips since they can be firm and slippery.

How to Cook with Parsnips

How to Use Parsnips

Wash and peel the parsnips.
Cut them into cubes, slices, or sticks.
Roast, sauté, or add them to soups and stews until tender.

Cooking Tip: Parsnips become sweeter and softer when cooked.

Parsnips Compared to Carrots

Parsnips are pale cream or white and have a slightly sweet, earthy flavor.

Carrots are usually orange and often taste sweet and crisp when raw.

Both are root vegetables, but parsnips are usually softer and sweeter after cooking.

Food Science: Why Parsnips Taste Sweeter When Cooked

Why Do Parsnips Taste Sweeter After Cooking?

Parsnips naturally contain starches that can taste sweeter after cooking. Heat softens the vegetable and helps bring out its sweet flavor.

This is why roasted or sautéed parsnips often taste sweeter than raw parsnips.

Mini Activity

Parsnip and Carrot Compare

Look at a parsnip and a carrot side by side.
Notice the color and shape of each vegetable.
Talk about how they are alike and how they are different.
If possible, taste them cooked and compare the flavors.

Parsnip Nutrition Facts

Parsnips are high in fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and potassium.

Parsnips contain fiber.
They provide vitamin C and vitamin K.
They also contain folate.
Parsnips are a source of potassium.

More Food Fact Resources

Parsnip Recipes

Roasted Parsnips

An easy roasted parsnip side dish made with chopped parsnips, butter, and garlic.

Category: Side Dish
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 25 to 30 minutes
Yield: Varies

Ingredients

2 to 3 parsnips, peeled and chopped in cubes
1 tablespoon butter
1 garlic clove

Directions

Place chopped parsnip in a casserole dish.
In a small frying pan, saute garlic in butter.
Pour over parsnip.
Bake at 375 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes.

Serving Tip: Roasted parsnips make a tasty side dish with chicken, beef, or other roasted vegetables.

Nutmeg Parsnip Sticks in a Skillet

A simple skillet side dish made with tender parsnip sticks, butter, and nutmeg.

Category: Side Dish
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 8 to 10 minutes
Yield: Varies

Ingredients

1 lb small parsnips
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Salt
Black pepper

Directions

Peel the parsnips and cut into equally sized small sticks. Lay out on paper towels so they dry well.
In a large heavy skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the parsnip sticks, stirring gently to coat them well with the butter.
Sprinkle the nutmeg over the parsnips and stir again to coat.
Cover the skillet tightly with either a lid or aluminum foil, turn the heat down to low heat, and cook slowly for 8 to 10 minutes.
The parsnips should be tender and slightly caramelized. Add salt and pepper if desired.

Flavor Tip: Nutmeg adds a warm flavor that pairs well with the natural sweetness of parsnips.