Black salsify

Black Salsify (also known as Scorzonera hispanica) is a perennial flowering plant in the sunflower family, Asteraceae. It is native to Southern Europe and the Near East. The plant is cultivated for its long, tapered root which is used as a root vegetable.

Description

Black Salsify is a hardy plant that can grow up to 1 meter in height. It has lanceolate leaves and yellow flowers that bloom from June to September. The plant's root is dark brown or black on the outside and white on the inside. The root has a sweet, slightly nutty flavor and is often compared to oysters, earning it the nickname "oyster plant".

Cultivation

Black Salsify prefers well-drained soil and full sun. It is a biennial plant, meaning it completes its life cycle in two years. The plant is usually grown from seed, which is sown in early spring. The roots are harvested in the fall of the second year.

Culinary Uses

Black Salsify is a versatile vegetable that can be boiled, mashed, fried, or used in soups and stews. It is often peeled and soaked in water with a little lemon juice to prevent discoloration before cooking. In Europe, it is traditionally served with a white sauce or melted butter.

Nutritional Value

Black Salsify is a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, potassium, and iron. It also contains inulin, a type of soluble fiber that can aid in digestion and support gut health.

See Also

• Root vegetables
• Asteraceae
• Perennial plants

References

• The New Oxford Book of Food Plants. Oxford University Press, 2009.
• The Vegetable Garden: Illustrations, Descriptions, and Culture of the Garden Vegetables of Cold and Temperate Climates. Cambridge University Press, 2013.