[rogertb]

Hi chaps just peeled and quartered my first parsnip and it is almost all 'core' - is this down to the hot dry summer we've had, it's probably edible but doesn't look too nice. Anyone any thoughts please ?

[Christine]

Think it's the dry weather that produces the hard core yes. Had that last year.

[AnneB]

I think it is also partially the variety.   I have found Tender and True to have a fairly small core, but when I grew Guernsey under the same conditions, the core was very noticeable.

[rogertb]

Thanks chaps, I'll maybe try tender and true next year, and water them more ....

[Kleftiwallah]

Or... does the plant produce a strong core to delve into the hard ground then swell out later?

Just a thought.  Cheers,  Tony.

[TonyB.]

I am growing Tender and True and the first couple have had large cores. I think it is early for parsnips? This is my first year of having an allotment, before I only had a small amount of garden. Everything seems to have grown quicker and stronger in the allotment. So perhaps the outer thickens up later?
 

[theothermarg]

Just discovered several of mine have going to seed and yes, the core is really hard. I did sow them earlier then usual and they were looking marvellous but pride comes before a fall and am getting them out early in an effort to at least eat some of it.  These are Tender and True so maybe try a different kind next year
Marg

[theothermarg]

Just read a (much) earlier post and it does actually advise that parsnips will go to seed if sowed too early so it seems I was a little too eager. It also says it can soften up if boiled well and roasted.
Of course I don't know if bolting is the problem with yours so just a suggestion
Marg