The History of Parsnips

Parsnips are native to parts of Europe and Asia. They were widely used by the ancient Romans. There are even records of Emperor Tiberius accepting parsnips as part of a tribute provided by the people of what is now Germany. Before sugar beets and cane sugar were available, parsnips were often used as a sweetener. Over time, parsnips became common in cooking. They became particularly popular in English-speaking countries and still are today; for example, roasted parsnips are still often served for Christmas dinners in the UK and the United States. Parsnips were introduced to North America by British and French colonists, who brought the root vegetables with them across the Atlantic. Today, parsnips are popular in many parts of the world, especially during the winter months.