FoodFood InformationVegetablesRoot Vegetables
Salsify is a rather unattractive root vegetable that resembles a very
long, very thin parsnip. By the fullest stretch of the imagination, the
flavor of salsify is supposed to be similar to that of oysters.
If we were to tally the least-used vegetable, salsify would come close to
the head of the list. Before World War II, salsify was a fairly common sight
in many produce markets. It was usually available early in fall and throughout
the winter. Even though it was rather modest in cost, it didn't sell too
well because of the length of time it took to prepare it properly. Possibly
the biggest damper on its sale was the complaint that if rubber gloves weren't
used in its preparation, the hands of the cook would be badly stained. Until
about 1975, salsify was all but extinct. Although not available in produce
stores, some was grown in home gardens. Today, salsify is making a slight
comeback. Occasionally it is found in some in some gourmet fruit shops and
in the more posh supermarkets. Some is imported from Belgium and Holland.
It now carries a lofty price tag.
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