Salsify 'Sandwich Island' is like a skinny parsnip - white but with much longer roots. It has a sweet & mildly nutty taste and is sometimes called the ‘Oyster vegetable’ because it is said to have a flavour of oysters.
It is extensively used in Europe but is rarely seen or used in the UK so growing your own from seed is really the only way to taste this vegetable fresh, and it is very easy to grow.
Salsify 'Sandwich Island' is ready to harvest from October. It can also be left to overwinter in the ground or can be dug up and stored in the same way as carrots and both will keep well until March/April.
It can be boiled, baked or fried or used in a gratin dish. It discolours easily so drizzle a little lemon juice over it whilst raw. Salsify is best boiled for about 8 mins and the skins removed after plunging in cold water.
Useful vegetable available when little else is in the garden!
