[Little Miss Muffet]

if the tops are anything to go by we sure do have some mighty fine parsnips.
but i keep getting told dont pull any untill after the first frost is on the ground.
so my question to you guys is why?

[WG.]

Because that is when the parsnip starts to convert starches into sugars.  Before frost, they have very much less flavour.   If you are impatient, lift a couple & place (unwashed) in freezer for 2 hours.  Repeat after 4 hours.  Do this for 3-4 days & you'll trick it into thinking that winter is upon us.

[Little Miss Muffet]

will they be okin the ground untill the first froast?

[WG.]

Of course

If you are impatient ...

[GrannieAnnie]

I'm very sorry, but we have already started to eat our parsnips!!!!  They are lovely now, so goodness knows what they will be like after the frosts have hit them!!!! lol

But the tops can be deceiving Miss Muffet.  The tops of ours are HUGE and lovely and green, but the snips themselves are still quite small as yet, but hopefully by Christmas they will be lovely and big.  Shouldn't be eating them yet really, as its too early, but its the first year I've actually managed to grow some decent parsnips!!!!!

[Annie]

I over did it last year so thinned a few over a few months and cooked the thinnings,you`d never grow parsnips again if that was the taste but come the frosts they are creamy and delicious(this is according to OH who can also tell the difference between frozen and shop bought). Cann`t stand them myself,even as wine!