Parsnips are part of the Apiaceae family which includes celery, parsley and fennel. A popular root veg used throughout the year, it can be served roasted, steamed and mashed as well as being a great addition to soups and stews.
How to store
How to store fresh parsnips
Parsnips are best stored in the fridge.
Freezing parsnips
Parsnips can be frozen in a sealed bag or container for up to 3 months.
Storing cooked parsnips
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Parsnips top tips
How to freeze and defrost
To freeze: Cooked or uncooked parsnips can be frozen. You can blanch in boiling water for a few minutes and cool in ice water or roast in the oven before freezing.
To defrost: When you take food or drink out of the freezer, it’s important to defrost it safely. Don’t defrost at room temperature.
Ideally, defrost fully in the fridge and use within 24 hours. Or, use a microwave on the defrost setting directly before cooking or reheating.
Always check the on-pack guidance for frozen foods.
Eating the whole food
No need to peel baby or young parsnips - just give them a good scrub. If you do need to peel, use a peeler rather than a knife as this will cut down on waste. Use peelings to make homemade crisps Add salt and pepper, plus whatever extra seasoning you like, then bake in a hot oven.
Be fabulous with leftovers
You can use up leftover parsnips in cakes, just like you would when using leftover carrot or courgette in cake.
Buying tips
Think about buying parsnips loose to help you buy only what you need. This will ensure that all your food is more likely to be eaten and saved from the bin.
Think about swapping fresh parsnips for frozen - some even come ready-glazed! Frozen foods last a long time in the freezer, you can use as much as you need when you need to and they can often be a cheaper option.
Perfect portions
Use our portion calculator for a quick and simple way to check how much of this food to serve at mealtimes.
Valuing your Parsnips beyond the price tag
Goodness in food
Your food is more than its shape, colour and price. Your food has an important role to play to help keep you healthy and with enough energy to live your life how you wish to.
- Good source of vitamin C which helps to keep your skin healthy.
- Contains potassium which is a mineral that helps the heart muscle work properly.
- Parsnips are a source of folate (a vitamin B), that helps the body form healthy red blood cells.
Food story
By the time your food arrives in your home, it’s already been on quite a journey starting with how it is made or grown and how your food reaches the supermarket.
So please help our food to finish its story in the most sustainable way, ensuring the planet’s resources that’s already used are put to good use. Take care of your food when it’s in your home and ensure every edible morsel is eaten - and that your food doesn’t end up in the bin!
Why not try these delicious recipes to use up Parsnips
This is a neat little dish for being creative with your leftovers. You can have them hot or cook them the night before to take cold to work for lunch. For best results keep your leftover veg in the fridge with your roast until you need them for this recipe.
Most vegetables can be given a second life in this great recipe, perfect for a light lunch or supper.
Save those veg from the bottom of the fridge and give them a new lease of life in this inventive curry which is as light as it is healthy. We’ve used madras curry paste (for added kick) – you can choose your favourite. Give it an authentic touch with basmati rice, too.