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Can You Eat A Parsnip Raw?

Parsnips are a member of the carrot family and belong to the root vegetable group, yet they’re often overlooked as a delicious healthy vegetable that can be eaten raw or cooked.

They are also known by their scientific name, pastinaca sativa, which means ‘pasture plant’ and refers to their use as a pasture crop.

You may know parsnips from being used as a garnish on top of mashed potatoes or added to soup, but did you know that this root vegetable has a lot more going for it than just being a side dish?

Can You Eat A Parsnip Raw

Are Parsnips Better Raw Or Cooked?

The answer is both!

If you’re looking for an easy way to cook parsnips without having to spend much money, then cooking them is the way to go.

With the right preparation method, you can make a great tasting meal with these roots.

On the other hand, if you want to enjoy the full benefits of eating raw parsnips, then there are a few things to consider first.

  • How do I prepare my parsnips?
  • What should I serve with my parsnips?
  • Should I eat my parsnips raw or cooked?

How do I prepare my parsnips?

There are two different ways to cook parsnips.

One is to boil them until tender, mash them up, and serve them hot.

The second method is roasting them whole, either under the broiler or in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 Celsius) for 20 minutes per pound (0.9 kg).

Both methods work well when preparing your parsnips for serving with a meaty sauce, such as mushroom gravy.

What should I serve with my parsnips?

If you plan on serving your parsnips warm, then you can dress them up with any number of tasty sauces.

You can try making a simple white bean dip, or you could choose to create a creamy tomato-based sauce.

Another option is to add them to a hearty stew, like beef bourguignon, or even a rich chicken casserole.

Parsnips are also excellent served alongside roasted meats like pork loin or roast turkey breast.

If you prefer your parsnips to remain cold, then you can easily make a side salad out of them.

Simply peel off the skin, chop them into small pieces, toss them with some olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and season them with salt and pepper.

Add sliced red onion, fresh herbs, and crumbled goat cheese to complete the salad.

What Vegetables Should Not Be Eaten Raw?

While it might seem like a good idea to consume more raw foods, it’s actually best to avoid certain veggies.

Here are six vegetables that shouldn’t be eaten raw.

  • Potatoes
  • Cruciferous vegetables
  • Red kidney beans
  • Mushrooms
  • Eggplants
  • French beans

These vegetables contain high levels of nitrates which increase your risk of developing cancer.

Nitrates are present in all kinds of food including leafy greens, legumes, and other veggies.

It’s important to note that this isn’t something that you should worry about every time you eat your favorite veggie dish.

However, if you’ve been consuming large amounts of raw vegetables over the course of several days or weeks, then you need to stop doing so immediately.

The American Cancer Society recommends limiting consumption of raw vegetables to no more than 2 cups (500 mL) daily.

In addition to nitrates being found in many types of vegetables, they’re also found in processed meats.

This means that you should limit your intake of bacon, sausage, ham, salami, etc.

to one serving per day, while avoiding cured meats altogether.

Do Parsnips Have To Be Cooked?

You may have heard that parsnips should only be eaten when they’re boiled.

When you boil them, however, their nutrients are destroyed.

You want to cook them at least twice as long as you would normally do for a vegetable in order to get rid of any harmful compounds.

If you don’t have access to an oven, you can still enjoy these root vegetables by steaming them.

Just cut off both ends and place each piece into a pot.

Cover the pot with boiling water and let it sit until it starts to simmer.

Then remove the lid and continue to steam until the pieces are soft enough to eat.

Be sure to keep an eye on the water level in the pot so that it doesn’t run out!

How much parsnip should I eat?

The recommended amount of parsnip is 1 cup (250 mL).

If you want to reduce your sodium intake, you can substitute the parsnip with half a sweet potato instead.

Sweet potatoes have less than half the amount of sodium compared to parsnips.

Parsnips are a great way to add some health benefits to your diet without having to make major changes to your meal plan.

You can easily find parsnips in the produce aisle of your local grocery store or even online.

However, you should always read the labels before buying any type of food.

You could benefit from eating more of the following foods to improve your overall health and wellbeing:

  • Broccoli
  • Cauliflower
  • Kale
  • Onions
  • Garlic
  • Carrots
  • Sweet peas
  • Spinach
  • Beets
  • Asparagus
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Tomato
  • Lettuce
  • Avocado
  • Kohlrabi
  • Parsley
  • Fennel
  • Swiss chard
  • Yogurt
  • Cottage cheese
  • Whole milk
  • Butter
  • Milk
  • Chocolate

Try adding these foods to your current meal plan to help improve your overall health and wellbeing.

These foods are low in calories, full of nutrition, and will help you achieve your weight loss goals.

This list of foods to lose weight fast is just scratching the surface.

There are dozens of other foods that can help you achieve your weight loss goals quickly and effectively.

So why not take advantage of what nature has to offer?

Can You Eat A Whole Parsnip?

Yes, you can.

But if you’re looking to lose weight, you probably shouldn’t.

The recommended serving size of parsnip is 1 cup (250 mL) per day.

This means that you should eat about 6 cups (1.5 L) per week.

You can also buy pre-cut parsnips so that you don’t have to peel them yourself.

However, you should avoid eating too many parsnips because they contain high amounts of potassium.

As noted above, this nutrient is important for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels.

In fact, consuming too many parsnips can actually increase your risk of developing high blood pressure.

So how much potassium does a whole parsnip contain?

Well, according to one study, a medium-sized parsnip contains approximately 3.7 grams of potassium.

That means that you could potentially consume up to 23% of your daily recommended allowance of potassium in just a single serving of parsnip.

A large portion of parsnips also contains about 2 grams of dietary fiber.

And while dietary fiber isn’t considered to be essential to maintain good health, it can certainly help promote good digestive health.

For example, dietary fiber helps prevent food waste and constipation.

It also improves overall bowel function and helps manage certain conditions such as diabetes.

In addition to being a source of dietary fiber, parsnips are also rich in vitamin C.

A medium-sized parsnip contains almost 100 percent of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C.

You should definitely include parsnips in your diet regularly to help boost your immune system and support your overall wellness.

Parsnips are also a rich source of vitamins B6 and K, which are essential for proper functioning of your body’s metabolism.

If you’ve never tried parsnips before, now is the time to start including them in your daily diet.

They’ll help you achieve your weight loss goals faster and be healthier overall!

When Should You Not Eat A Parsnip?

While there are no known negative side effects from eating parsnips, you should avoid eating them if you have an allergy to members of the Umbelliferae family.

These include dandelion, fennel, sorrel, and burdock.

If you experience any side effects from consuming parsnips, discontinue use immediately.

There are also some people who may want to avoid eating parsnips due to their high sugar content.

However, most varieties of parsnips are naturally low in sugar and contain only trace amounts of carbohydrates.

So if you’re someone who struggles with sugar cravings, you might want to consider trying parsnips in moderation.

You may also want to steer clear of parsnips if you have a history of kidney stones.

This is because parsnips are high in oxalates, which can contribute to kidney stone formation.

For more information on parsnips, check out these resources:

  • Parsnips: Benefits & Nutrition Facts
  • How To Cook Parsnips
  • The Best Ways to Eat Parsnips
  • Which Vegetables Should I Avoid At All Costs?
  • How To Make Parsnip Chips
  • What Are The Healthiest Foods To Include In Your Diet?
  • How To Grow Parsnips From Seed
  • Best Varieties Of Parsnips To Buy Online
  • How Long Does Parsnip Stay Fresh?
  • How To Store Parsnips Without Getting Them Moldy

These are some of the best ways to eat parsnips.

Try them all!

This information is solely for informational purposes.

IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE.

Is It OK To Eat Parsnip Skin?

If you ever wonder whether it’s okay to eat parsnip skin, the answer is yes.

Just make sure that you remove the outer layer first, so that you aren’t eating a part of the vegetable that could potentially cause harm.

In fact, the skin of a parsnip contains nutrients that protect other parts of the plant, including fiber, calcium, iron, and vitamin C.

It’s also packed full of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins like Vitamin A, B-complex, K, and C.

You can even find traces of copper, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc in parsnip skin.

Not only does the skin of a parsnip provide protection for other parts of the vegetable, but it also makes eating parsnips a lot easier.

When you remove the outer layer of skin, you’ll get to enjoy your parsnips without having to deal with the hassle of peeling them.

So, while it may seem strange to eat the skin of a parsnip, it actually provides benefits to you.

Plus, removing the skin before eating will help you save time and effort when preparing your meal.

To learn more about what else is inside the skin of a parsnip, check out these links:

  • How to Peel a Parsnip
  • How to Cut a Parsnip Into Pieces (Pictures)
  • How to Clean a Parsnip
  • How to Boil a Parsnip
  • How to Roast a Parsnip
  • How to Steam a Parsnip
  • How to Bake a Parsnip
  • How to Sauté a Parsnip
  • How to Deep Fry a Parsnip
  • How to Braise a Parsnip
  • How to Add Parsnips To Soup
  • How to Make Parsnip Puree
  • How to Make Parsnip Chips
  • How to Make Parsnip Tarts
  • How to Make Parsnip Pancakes
  • How to Make Parsnip Porridge
  • How to Make Parsnip Pasta
  • How to Make Parsnip Fritters
  • How to Make Parsnip Cake
  • How to Make Parsnip Soup
  • How to Make Parsnip Stew
  • How to Make Parsnip Curry
  • Parsnip Quiche Recipe
  • How To Use Parsnips For Weight Loss
  • Parsnip Smoothie

How Do You Eat A Parsnip?

When you’re trying to figure out how to eat a parsnip, you might be wondering if there are any special ways to prepare them.

Well, there are plenty of different methods that you can use to prepare this tasty root vegetable.

The following are some of the most popular ways to eat parsnips:

Sautéing

This method involves heating the parsnip in oil, butter, or broth until brown.

Afterward, you can add seasonings to bring out its flavor.

You can then serve the parsnip sauté as an appetizer, side dish, or main course.

Baking

This method works well for those who want to bake their parsnips.

You can either roast the parsnips on the stovetop or place them in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes or until tender.

Then, you can top them with cheese or breadcrumbs for added crunch.

Roasting

If you prefer to have your roasted parsnips served hot, this is the perfect way to go.

You can either roast them on the stovetop or in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes.

This method is great if you’re looking for something quick and easy to prepare.

Steaming

Steaming is another great option if you’re looking to heat up your parsnips quickly.

You can either steam them on the stovetop or in the microwave.

If you choose the stovetop method, you can prepare the parsnips by placing them in water along with a little salt for 5 to 10 minutes.

If you decide to put the parsnips in the microwave, you should cook them for 3 to 4 minutes per pound.

Deep frying

If you’re not a fan of steaming or roasting, you can always deep fry your parsnips.

They will need to soak in hot oil for 20 minutes before they are fried.

You can then sprinkle them with seasoning and serve immediately.

Boiling

This method is used when you want to make a parsnip soup.

You can boil the parsnips in water for 25 minutes or until tender.

Once cooked, you can puree them with milk, cream, or flour to create a creamy sauce.

Braising

This method works best when you want to slow cook your parsnips.

You can braise them in stock until tender.

You can then transfer them to a baking pan and cover with foil.

Cook over low heat for 30 minutes or until the parsnips are soft.

Roasting

If you want to make a roasted parsnip, you should peel the parsnip, cut it into pieces, and toss it in olive oil.

Place it on a baking sheet and roast it in the oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 35 minutes.

Afterward, you can sprinkle them with salt and pepper.

Making parsnip chips

If you’re looking to make parsnip chips, you should slice them thinly and then drizzle them with olive oil.

You should then spread them out onto a baking sheet and bake them at 150 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 hours.

Making parsnip cakes

This recipe calls for you to mash parsnips with eggs and melted butter.

Afterward, you should stir in flour and seasonings.

Lastly, you should pour the mixture into a greased loaf pan and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 minutes.

Making parsnip pasta

You can make parsnip pasta by blending parsnips with egg yolks, flour, and Parmesan cheese.

Then, you should combine the mixture with boiling water and mix it thoroughly.

Finally, you should roll the mixture with a rolling pin.

Making parsnip fritters

You can make parsnip fritters by chopping parsnips and mixing them with flour, seasoned with salt, pepper, and sugar.

Afterward, you should whisk together eggs, milk, and melted butter.

Mix all of the ingredients together and allow them to sit for 15 minutes.

Making parsnip pancakes

You can make parsnip pancakes by combining parsnips with flour, eggs, milk, and melted butter.

You should then let the mixture sit for 15 minutes before adding grated cheese and chopped chives.

Next, you should cook the mixture on a non-stick pan until golden brown.

Be sure to keep a close eye on your pancakes so that they don’t burn!

Making parsnip tarts

You can make parsnip tarts by cutting the parsnips into small cubes and cooking them in a skillet.

Once cooked, you should line the bottom of the tart shell with parsnip cubes and cover them with a thin layer of pastry dough.

For more information about parsnips, you can read these resources:

  • What Is a Parsnip?
  • How to Grow a Parsnip
  • Parsnip Recipes
  • Parsnip Nutrition Information
  • Parsnip Side Effects
  • Parsnip Benefits
  • Parsnip Recipe Ideas
  • Parsnip Health Facts
  • Parsnip Recipes With Eggs
  • Parsnip Recipes Without Oil
  • Pars

What Do Parsnips Do For Your Body?

Parsnips contain many nutrients that benefit your health and help your body function properly.

These include Vitamin C, iron, calcium, zinc, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, and fiber.

In addition, parsnips also contain antioxidants which help fight cancer and other diseases.

For example, parsnips contain phytochemicals such as quercetin, kaempferol, and rutin.

These compounds help prevent heart disease and cancer.

They also protect against diabetes, high blood pressure, and dementia.

Parsnips also contain saponins, which help lower cholesterol levels.

Saponins also prevent bacteria from sticking to cell walls and forming biofilms.

Biofilms are harmful because they slow down nutrient absorption and cause inflammation.

The benefits of parsnips are numerous.

However, they are most beneficial when consumed in combination with other foods.

This includes eating parsnips with other vegetables, fruit, meat, and dairy products.

It’s important to note that too much parsnip consumption can lead to diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain.

For more information about parsnips, you can read these resources:

  • What Do Parsnips Have To Offer?
  • Healthy Ways to Eat Parsnips
  • Parsnip Recipes
  • Parsnip Nutrition Info
  • Parsnip Side Effects
  • Parsnip Benefits
  • Parsnip Recipe Ideas
  • Parsnip Health Facts
  • Parsnip Recipes With Eggs
  • Parsnip Recipes Without Oil
  • Pars
Can You Eat A Parsnip Raw

What Vegetable Is Poisonous When Eaten Raw?

You should never eat a raw vegetable if it contains an irritant or toxin.

If you think any of your vegetables may have been contaminated, contact your doctor immediately.

The following list shows some common vegetables that contain toxins when consumed raw:

  • Asparagus
  • Celery
  • Chives
  • Garlic
  • Onions
  • Peas
  • Spinach
  • Squash
  • Tomatoes

If you eat a raw vegetable that has been contaminated by a toxic substance, you could develop symptoms such as abdominal cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, and dizziness.

You should also avoid consuming uncooked meats and eggs, as well as undercooked poultry.

It’s important to remember that not all vegetables are toxic when raw.

Some vegetables are actually edible when cooked, including carrots, cucumbers, and potatoes.

Other vegetables become toxic when boiled, including cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower.

Also, certain vegetables become toxic when cooked at high temperatures, such as eggplant, squash, and tomatoes.

Finally, cooking times vary depending on the type of vegetable.

For example, boiling beans takes longer than boiling spinach.

For more information on how to safely consume raw vegetables, visit our article on how to choose safe vegetables.

What Is The Number 1 Healthiest Food In The World?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the most popularly eaten fruit in the world is the pineapple.

Pineapples are a good source of vitamins A, C, and E, as well as beta-carotene, folate, and fiber.

In addition, pineapples contain pectin, which can help lower blood sugar levels.

The second most popular fruit worldwide is watermelon.

Watermelons are rich in lycopene, which has antioxidant and anti-cancer effects.

The third most popular fruit is banana.

Bananas are a great source of potassium, which helps keep your heart healthy.

However, they’re also a good source of manganese, copper, phosphorus, and magnesium.

Magnesium plays a role in bone health, and both copper and manganese are involved with metabolism.

Although there are other fruits that are widely eaten around the world, these three top contenders make up more than half of the global consumption of fresh fruit.

How do you get enough vitamin D?

Vitamin D aids in calcium absorption and bone growth, which is why we need this nutrient for strong bones and teeth.

Vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of osteoporosis, rickets, and cancer.

Because sunlight provides us with vitamin D, the amount of vitamin D in our bodies depends on the length of time spent outdoors.

People who spend very little time outside during the winter months will be deficient in vitamin D because their skin doesn’t synthesize vitamin D from sunlight.

On the other hand, people who spend a lot of time outdoors during the summer months will likely have adequate amounts of vitamin D stored in their fat cells.

There are two ways to increase vitamin D intake:

  • Take supplements.
  • Eat foods fortified with vitamin D.

Of course, eating foods fortified with vitamin D is better than taking a vitamin supplement, since only about one in five Americans take them.

This means that many people don’t get the full benefit of vitamin D from food sources.

For more information on how to get the full benefits of vitamin D, check out our articles on how to get enough vitamin D.

In the United States, more than half of the population lacks the necessary nutrients to meet the daily recommended dietary allowances (RDA).

While many vitamins and minerals are essential for human body functions, some require additional nutrients to ensure optimal function.

These include iron, zinc, and magnesium.

As mentioned above, many people lack sufficient amounts of these nutrients to meet their daily needs.

Iron, zinc, magnesium, and vitamin K are involved in a variety of important body processes.

Additionally, these nutrients are crucial to normal functioning of the immune system.

What is the difference between vitamins and minerals?

Amineral is a mineral that is found in foods.

Vitamins are substances that are required for normal body function.

Most vitamins are organic compounds that cannot be made by humans.

Minerals are elements that are present in the body and are essential to bodily functions, but cannot be produced by humans.

Some examples of vitamins are Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and Vitamin K.

All of these vitamins are needed to produce various chemical reactions within the body, including the production of proteins and hormones.

Minerals are used in various bodily processes, including the formation of red blood cells and bones.

Some vitamins are organic compounds and must be obtained from the diet.

Others, like vitamin B12, are vital to life.

Many vitamins are needed to produce energy, while others are needed for proper functioning of the nervous system.

Some vitamins, such as vitamin B12, are used in the creation of DNA.

Many vitamins are needed for normal body function.

These vitamins are needed for proper functioning of the digestive system, nervous system, and muscles, and organs.

Some vitamins are involved in normal body function.

Others, such as riboflavin, are involved in the production of B12, which is often utilized in the synthesis of RNA.

Minerals are minerals that can be found in foods.

Examples of minerals include calcium, sodium, and sulfur.

Minerals are needed for bone and tooth development, and also are utilized in the formation of hormones.

Some minerals are needed for proper functioning of the nervous system.

Minerals are also important for muscle growth and bone formation.

Examples of minerals are calcium, magnesium, zinc, and selenium.

Calcium is important for bone formation and bone growth, as well as is needed for proper nerve conduction.

Magnesium is needed for proper functioning of the nervous system, and selenium is needed for proper functioning of the immune system.

All of these vitamins and minerals play a part in the production of the body.

Learn more about vitamins and minerals here:

What Foods Are Poisonous When Raw?

When a food is considered poisonous if it is not cooked or otherwise processed, it is known as a toxin.

Common toxins in foods include cyanide, arsenic, and ethylene glycol.

Poisonous foods can be found in common household products such as antifreeze and drain cleaner, as well as in natural things like mushrooms and plants.

If you find yourself wondering if something you ate is poisonous, it is always best to seek medical attention.

Common poisons that are found in foods are listed below:

  • Arsenic
  • Cyanide
  • Ethylene Glycol

Learn more about poisons here:

What Vegetables Can Only Be Eaten Raw?

There are some vegetables that cannot be eaten raw because they have an enzyme in them that will break down their flesh.

This process is called hydrolysis and occurs when a chemical compound reacts with water (hydrolysis) to create two compounds that were previously one.

For example, tomatoes contain an enzyme that breaks down the cell walls of the tomato by reacting with water.

The result is a mushy tomato that has no flavor.

On the other hand, cucumbers do not contain this enzyme and therefore retain their crisp texture when consumed raw.

The following list contains vegetables that should never be eaten raw:

  • Apples
  • Avocados
  • Bananas
  • Beets
  • Broccoli
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Carrots
  • Celery
  • Chives
  • Collard greens
  • Corn
  • Cucumber
  • Eggplant
  • Fennel
  • Garlic
  • Grapes
  • Horseradish
  • Lettuce
  • Mushrooms
  • Onions
  • Parsley
  • Peaches
  • Potatoes
  • Radishes
  • Raspberries
  • Spinach
  • Squash
  • Sugar snap peas
  • Tomato
  • Watermelon
  • Zucchini

Learn more about which fruit and vegetable should be cooked before eating here:

What Is The Best Way To Eat Parsnips?

If you love your vegetables crunchy, then parsnips are for you!

Try slicing them thinly and serving them on top of a piece of fish or grilled chicken.

You could even add them to a stir fry if you like.

Are Parsnips A Laxative?

Parsnips are full of fiber, which is good for digestion.

They’re also high in vitamin C, which helps prevent scurvy (a disease caused by lack of vitamin C).

So they’re great for those suffering from constipation.

But there’s one problem — you’ll have to get rid of that pesky fiber before you can enjoy eating this root vegetable.

If you don’t want to waste any food, try peeling the parsnip first.

It will make it easier to digest.

Do You Need To Peel Parsnip?

If you’ve ever tried to cook a parsnip, you know how tough and woody it can be.

But if you leave it whole, it’s still edible!

Just remember to remove all the fibers before cooking.

The easiest way to do this is to cut the parsnip in half lengthwise, then scoop out the center part of each half with a spoon.

Don’t worry about removing every little bit of fiber, because it won’t affect the taste or texture of your parsnip at all.

Now you can roast it, boil it, or even microwave it.

You can even use it like a carrot — just chop it into sticks, toss them in some oil, garlic powder, and salt, and roast them on an open flame until they become tender.

Parsnips are delicious roasted, but other methods work too.

So now that you know how easy it is to prepare parsnips, why not give it a try?

The next time you see one sitting in your fridge, go ahead and take it out.

Peel away the skin, and dig right in!

Do I Need To Peel A Parsnip?

Parsnips are one of the most common root vegetables found in stores these days, but did you know that many varieties of parsnips come with different names?

There are two main types of parsnips you’ll find in grocery stores:

  • Common parsnips (also called “french”) are long and slender, usually with white coloration.
  • They tend to be sweeter than other parsnips, and have a milder flavor.
  • Curly parsnips are also known as “Irish” parsnips.
  • These are shorter and more bulbous and often have a yellowish tint to them.
  • They’re also less sweet and have a stronger flavor.

And just because one variety of parsnip isn’t sweet enough for you doesn’t mean that you should avoid them altogether.

If you prefer a slightly bitter flavor, try pairing a parsnip with something sweeter, like carrots.

Or you could pair it with another vegetable that complements its strong flavor.

One thing to keep in mind, though, is that the older a parsnip gets, the harder it becomes to digest.

This means that you might want to wait until it’s past its prime before eating it.

It’s best to buy them fresh whenever possible.

Are Parsnips A Superfood?

Parsnips are rich in carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytonutrients.

Carbohydrates provide your body with energy to work properly, while fiber helps you feel full longer so you won’t overeat.

Many studies show that consuming foods high in fiber can help reduce cholesterol levels and prevent heart disease.

Antioxidants protect against free radicals, which are unstable molecules that cause cell damage when they aren’t broken down by our bodies.

Phytonutrients are plant-based compounds that contain healthful properties, such as cancer-fighting agents.

As you can see, there’s a lot to love about parsnips, but if you’re looking for a food that’s packed with nutrients, then you’ve got to check out Brussels sprouts.

What does a parsnip look like?

If you’re not sure whether a parsnip is any good or not, here’s what you need to know:

  • A parsnip’s appearance is typically round, smooth, and firm.
  • The skin is thin and pale green in color, with a light brown tip.
  • The inside of the parsnip has a creamy texture.
  • The flesh is bright orange in color, and covered in tiny hairs.
  • You may notice some ridges on the surface of the parsnip, which are actually called “eyes.” You don’t need to worry about them – they only serve to make the parsnip easier to peel cleanly.
  • Parsnips are generally sold whole, although you can sometimes find them cut into smaller pieces.

How do I cook a parsnip?

While cooking is a great way to maximize the nutritional value of a parsnip, you still need to choose the right method to go along with your diet.

Here are some options:

  • Steam: Place the parsnip in water, bring it to a boil, cover, and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and let sit for 10 minutes before serving.
  • Parsnips can also be steamed over medium heat without water.
  • Roast: Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) and rub olive oil on the parsnip.
  • Add salt and pepper to taste and roast the parsnip for 45 to 60 minutes.
  • You can also place the parsnip in a casserole dish and add 1/4 cup of water.
  • Cover and bake for 40 minutes.
  • Sauté: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
  • Once hot, add the parsnip and saute for 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Bake: Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius).
  • Cut the parsnip into large chunks and toss with olive oil.
  • Spread the parsnip evenly across a baking sheet and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, until tender.
  • Blanch: Boil the parsnip in water for 5 minutes.
  • Drain and immediately run under cold water to stop the cooking process.
  • Boil: Bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil and add the parsnip.
  • Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes.
  • Drain and enjoy!

Honey-roasted parsnips

These golden, honeyed parsnips have just the right amount of earthiness and sweetness to make a delectable Christmas side dish, and they're easy to make.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Honey-roasted parsnips
Servings: 8
Calories: 114kcal

Equipment

  • Oven

Ingredients

  • 500 g parsnips
  • 1 tbsp flour
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 2 tbsp sunflower oil
  • 2 tbsp butter

Instructions

  • 500g parsnips, top and tail, cut any bigger ones in half lengthwise, then place in a large pot, fill with salted water, bring to a boil, and simmer for 5 minutes.
  • Drain in a colander and steam-dry for a few minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 190°C/170°C fan/gas 5.
  • Toss the parsnips with 1 tbsp flour and 1 tbsp honey to coat.
  • In a roasting pan, combine the parsnips, 2 tablespoons sunflower oil, 2 tablespoons butter, and spices.
  • Cook for 40 minutes, rotating halfway through, until golden.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 114kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 29mg | Potassium: 238mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 87IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 0.4mg
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