Pastinaca sativa – pastura in Latin means food and sativa means cultivated.
Origin
The parsnip we know today evolved from the wild parsnip which is still growing in Europe and Asia. It was a staple in the middle ages, but fell into disuse with the rising popularity of the potato. It is naturalised in New Zealand.
Description
Parsnip is a root vegetable grown for its large, creamywhite roots. It’s closely related to parsley and carrots which all belong to the flowering plant family Apiaceae.