Scorzonera 'Giant Rooted Maxima' is a black, root vegetable with creamy white flesh inside, not such a pretty veg but tasty. It is parsnip like and is treated much the same way and is used throughout Europe but is relatively unknown in the UK.
Scorzonera is easy to grow and can be harvested in Autumn or left in the ground to overwinter. It can also be dug up in Autumn and stored in the same way as carrots in dry sand and will keep til the spring.
It can be boiled, baked or fried or used in a gratin dish. It discolours easily so drizzle a little lemon juice over the white skin whilst raw. Scorzonera 'Giant Rooted Maxima' is best boiled for about 8 mins, plunged into cold water & then the skins removed.
Unusual vegetable available when little else is in the garden!
