Small parsnips

[womble]

I mentioned this briefly on another thread a while ago, but I am a bit worried about parsnips.
This year I sowed mine in late Feb in loo roll centres and paper pots, put them outside a month or so later and am now pulling lovely huge roots.

However, once you cut off the long useless bit of root, cut out the middle woody bit, there is not alot left.

What about if I sowed them later, say early June and planted the paper pots so close they were almost touching.
Surely I would have lovely small parsnips that wouldn't need coring, just cutting in half and sticking in the oven.

Not only that, but I would also have loads of them in the space where I would only have a few giant ones.

Whats wrong with that idea?

[lynda66]

why do you cut out the middle bit? i just slice em up and roast em.

[SlugLobber]

I use every bit of the parsnip, bar the green foliage! Might be why my soup is the bestest ever. :P Which reminds me of my giant parsnip, which I need to post a piccie of...

[womble]

The middle bit is always very woody on big parsnips, doesn't anyone else cut out the middle then?

[lynda66]

dunno if anyone else does, never had a problem once they are cooked.

[zazen999]

Nope - even the ones that are a good 6 inches across...

[Two_Sheds]

Your parsnips shouldn't be woody.
What variety are you growing? I grow Avon Resistor, and they're always lovely; hardly any waste on them at all (I plant about 6 inches apart, in loo rolls)

[womble]

Mmm I shall have to reassess, thanks. I still think my way might be a valid idea.

[zazen999]

The idea for little parsnips is sound - don't worry - what about trying the middle bit next time and seeing if it tastes any different?

[womble]

Yep, thats what I meant by reassess, but I have just talked with the OH about it and she has agreed that we need to cut out the middle of large parsnips, as it is just too woody to eat well. I will try the middle again.

[zazen999]

you're both bonkers!

[lynda66]

ahhhhhhh but what might be a bit harder when they are raw still goes soft when you cook em ...... what variety do you grow?

[lynda66]

you're both bonkers!

ok well i was gonna say that but thought it might be a bit erm gobby lol but i do agree (coming from a bonkers one)

[Flummery]

The only way I can be bothered to eat them (although the rest of the family loves them all ways) is roasted. I've never cut out the middle bit either. Cooks a treat, it does.

[vicky]

The varieties we grow now are not very woody and you should be able to eat all of them. However, the varieties from years ago would have needed to be cored. Without wishing to sound rude (!) it's just a bit old fashioned! Like salting aubergines - not really necessary anymore!
Please don't tell the OH I said that - don't want to be thumped!!!