[Madame Cholet]

just had to dig some couldn't resist, planned to leave them till the frosts but I wanted just to have alook. There were 3, 2 small and 1 large looked beautiful may roast them for Sunday.

[GrannieAnnie]

I know its naughty, but I've dug several of mine because they are quite big.  Some have forked though, and I can't get the bottoms out of the ground!   

[Growster...]

Took out the first one on Sunday, Ma'am, and the taste was fantastic! It weighed about 2lb, so we'll be souping the rest tomorrow!

Agree that the frost should make them tastier, but hey - life's too short to wish that on anyone!

[Madame Cholet]

i like to continue to eat the summer stuff and save the winter stuff so I don't run out.

[yaxley]

Well im guilty as well could not resist had to dig a few up a couple of weeks ago had them roasted for sunday dinner they were delicious  ..

[plot103]

Does frost really make much of a difference to the taste?

[Growster...]

Does frost really make much of a difference to the taste?

Yes, apparently, the starch becomes much sweeter after freezing!

I still like them pre-frost as well, as the flavour is a little bit milder too.

[arugula]

Took out the first one on Sunday, Ma'am, and the taste was fantastic!

OH asked on Sunday if I wanted any parsnips for dinner. A resounding "No!" was the reply. The first thought in my head was, its only September.. far too early to be thinking about them. They do look good though!

[DD.]

Likewise.

Plenty to be going at at the moment. I'll leave the winter veg for winter and use what won't be there later.

[Steve_LF]

I dug mine up early last year, may even still have a portion in the freezer.  Luckily my freezer is full of the bounty from this year, so I can wait for a frost to see if I can tell the difference taste wise.

I remember last year, some of mine were at least two feet long and it was almost impossible to dig the entire things out.

[Mrs Bee]

I was told by a market veg seller many years ago that if you want to eat early parsnips you can bung them in the freezer for an hour or so before cooking and eating them.

Have never done it because I always bought my parsnips after the first frosts.

This is the first year I have  grown parsnips and I have been so tempted to have a couple out to try. 

As this thread has reminded me of that market trader I may furtle one out this weekend and give it a try.

[RichardA]

If I even reveal to my OH that parsnips are ready she will stop using the marrows and beans etc that are still in abundance. She is the same with sprouts and carrots - see them and pick them regardless of size and season. Leave them in the ground until the season is right, easier than freezing.
R

[Mrs Bee]

Very true Richard, but I am a bit excited and eager to try just one parsnip 'cos I've never grown them before

[mattwragg94]

well i too picked 1 last week, just to see how they were getting on, and it needed thinning out and it was little. But once pulled it was a good size!

[arugula]

I was told ... many years ago that if you want to eat early parsnips you can bung them in the freezer for an hour or so before cooking and eating them.

I have heard of this trick, but not tried it. It makes perfect sense, the freezer is emulating the actions of frosty weather.

But patience is a virtue.