What is Salsify?

Salsify is a root vegetable originally in the Mediterranean region of Europe, where it has been grown and used in food for centuries. This plant was also widely introduced to other regions of the world, although it is primarily popular in Europe. Some special markets carry Salsify, especially in autumn, when it is in the season, and can also be grown in the home garden, for people who live between USDA zones six and 10. It has leaves similar to blades and slender stems that produce distinctive purple flowers in the second year of growth. In addition to the root, green and stems are also edible. Salsify Root has a slightly oven taste, explains one of its common names and green and the stems are slightly sweet.

There are a number of uses for Salsify. Young roots can be grated and served on salads, while older NEED roots are boiled to soften. The roots can be added to soups and steamed small, peeled and mashed or used in root vegetable gratins. Greens can be used raw or cooked in salads and othersMeals, while the stems benefit from light steaming or fast baking, similar to asparagus.

Depending on the cultivar, salsify may be white, gold or black. In general, the roots must be laid and peeled before use. Mammoth Sendwich Island is the most popular for consumption because it produces large, evenly roots if it is grown in well -processed soil with lots of compost.

In the shop, chefs should choose salsify that feels hard for its size. The roots should be evenly textured, without soft spots or signs of color and should be placed under cooling, wrapped in plastic. Chefs may want to realize that Salsify radiates the sticky white sap it is cut, so it is good to work with these roots next to the sink for easy washing.

gardeners who want to grow salsify can get seeds from special companiesand some garden shops. The seeds should be planted in the prepared vegetable bed after the last chance of Frost and maintained moist until they hide. It may take up to three weeks to germinate the seeds, and it is good to leave them undisturbed as long as the seedlings may look more like small twigs than plants, and can be accidentally removed by too eager gardeners. Once the germination, Salsify takes approximately 120 days to ripen.