Vegetable
White Gem
A tier
White Gem is a shorter, broad-shouldered parsnip selected for shallower soils and easier lifting than long taper types—white flesh still sweet and nutty after cold. Shape is wedge-like rather than whip-thin. Gardeners on heavy ground appreciate fewer broken roots. Roast the chunky pieces; mash well. Not ideal if you want foot-long show roots. Flavour remains true parsnip when frosted.
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Unit
Characteristics
Preparations
Chunky RoastEasy Garden MashGlaze PiecesHeavy Soil PlotSoup
Traits
BroadEasy LiftPractical GardenShallow Soil FriendlyShort Broad ShoulderShorterSweet After FrostSweet Nutty
History
GB
White Gem parsnip was bred for shorter roots on difficult soils.
GB
British gardeners adopted White Gem where long types forked badly.
White Gem stayed in catalogues for shallow-bed parsnip growing.
Organic and home growers still listed White Gem for manageable roots.