The parsnip is a delicious root vegetable that resembles a carrot. They are long, cream-colored, and exhibit a nutty and sweet flavor profile. An interesting fact is that parsnips that grow in colder climates, or where a light snow covers the ground, are inherently sweeter. They also happen to comply with paleo and Whole30 diets, making them an excellent potato substitute.

Parsnips contain a diverse mix of nutrients, including fiber, vitamins C, E, & K, magnesium, folate, zinc, phosphorus, and vitamin B6. Additionally, they exhibit impressive antioxidant activity to help reduce oxidative stress. Increasing the amount of antioxidants you consume is beneficial for reducing the risk of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Some test-tube studies found that the polyacetylene compounds in parsnips may anti-cancer properties.

Parsnips are underutilized, mainly because people don’t know what to do with them. Once you unlock the secrets of parsnips, though, you won’t stop. The creations are endless and you’ll have them as a featured item on your shopping list during the fall season. They are available throughout the year but are freshest during the fall and winter months. We hope you love these parsnip fries, so much so that you make them instead of regular potato fries in the future!