Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat

Growing => Grow Your Own => Topic started by: scabs on July 27, 2009, 09:51

Title: Salsify and Scorzonera
Post by: scabs on July 27, 2009, 09:51

Have many here grown them?

I have been thinking about putting a few rows in next year - is it worth it?

I'm thinking ease of growing/taste/value etc...

Title: Re: Salsify and Scorzonera
Post by: 8doubles on July 27, 2009, 10:11

I have grown scorzonera in fact i`m still growing it as a few pieces of root were left and it grows like a dandelion , its a job stopping it ! It`s fiddly to prepare with white sticky sap (like a dandelion) a pleasant delicate taste when baked but i don`t grow it now because of the side effects.

If you have watched the 'bean scene' in Blazing Saddles' you will know what i mean. :ohmy: :)

Title: Re: Salsify and Scorzonera
Post by: scabs on July 27, 2009, 10:18

Great... I've already got a huge crop of Jerusalem Artichokes, the wife will be pleased.  :lol:

Title: Re: Salsify and Scorzonera
Post by: gillie on July 27, 2009, 11:13

I have grown both.  Scorzonera is one of the dandelion family, and it is very difficult to get rid of as it is difficult to dig out the tip of the root which keeps  regenerating.

I keep trying salsify but the roots always fork.  I have tried germinating the seeds in tubes etc. but is nearly always disappointing when I lift it.  I think it needs a deep stone-free soil.  Franchi recommends sowing salsify as late as July, but I have always sown it around May, along with the parsnips.  I have come to the conclusion that  you need to buy fresh seeds each year.

In both cases I have scrubbed and parboiled the roots before removing the skin and then finishing them by browning in butter.  Cooked this way I have not noticed any f***ichoke effect.

Cheers,

Gillie

Title: Re: Salsify and Scorzonera
Post by: scabs on July 27, 2009, 11:15

Thanks Gillie.

Title: Re: Salsify and Scorzonera
Post by: Kristen on July 30, 2009, 10:00

Scorzonera much easier to germinate than Salsify or Parsnip, which are both "difficult" IME.

Parsnip nice large roots, easy to prepare.

Salsify better flavour than Parsnips (but no doubt that is an arguable point!)

Title: Re: Salsify and Scorzonera
Post by: scabs on July 30, 2009, 10:03

Thanks Kristen.

I found Salsify in my local garden centre, but can't find Scorzonera.

Probably an on-line quest for next year.

Title: Re: Salsify and Scorzonera
Post by: Kristen on July 30, 2009, 10:14

They may have run out, at this time of the year.  Although its a widely-available but little-know plant, so I'm doubtful they had it in.  Pretty sure my seed came from the local garden centre ... but definitely available online (got mine from Suttons FWIW)

Title: Re: Salsify and Scorzonera
Post by: scabs on July 30, 2009, 11:14

Thanks again!