Vegetable Categories

Roots

Unlike the Flower Buds category, the main attraction for the Roots category grows underground.  Roots include the following:

Carrot Family:   carrots, celeriac, parsnip, parsley root

Brassica Family:  radish, rutabaga, turnip

Aster Family: salsify and scorzonera

Amaranth Family:  beets

Similarities:   Root veggies are hardier than some of the other veggie categories.  When you harvest the root veggies, you need to cut the stem and leaves off for better storage.   You can steam, roast and mash the above veggies.  Unlike the Tubers category which also grow underground, you will get one plant from each seed.

Differences:  Some root veggies (rutabaga, parsnips and salsify) taste even better after they’ve been kissed by a frost.  Some root veggies (celeriac and parsnips) take long time to mature and others mature quickly like radishes.  Some root veggies  like beets and carrots come in multiple colors.   With the exception of rutabaga and salsify, you can eat root veggies raw.

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