parsnip

Definition

A long, pale root vegetable similar to a carrot but with a sweeter, earthier flavor and starchy texture when cooked. This cream-colored taproot is a cool-season crop that develops increased sweetness after exposure to frost.

Example Usage

She roasted the parsnips with olive oil and herbs until they turned golden and caramelized.

Origin

From Latin 'pastiaca,' possibly derived from 'pastinum' (a type of digging tool), as the vegetable was dug from the ground.

Fun Fact

Parsnips were a staple carbohydrate in medieval Europe before potatoes arrived, and some wild parsnip varieties can cause severe skin blistering when the sap contacts skin exposed to sunlight.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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