Root vegetables. The very phrase conjures images of humble potatoes, carrots, and onions, staples that have graced our tables for centuries. But beyond these familiar favorites lies a fascinating world of unusual root vegetables, each with its own unique flavor, texture, and growing requirements. This comprehensive guide delves into the captivating realm of these underground treasures, providing you with the knowledge and inspiration to cultivate your own garden of extraordinary roots.
Why Grow Unusual Root Vegetables?
In a world dominated by mass-produced produce, growing unusual root vegetables offers a refreshing change. Here are several compelling reasons to venture beyond the ordinary:
- Culinary Adventure: These vegetables boast a diverse range of flavors, from the earthy sweetness of salsify to the peppery bite of skirret. They can elevate your cooking and introduce you to exciting new tastes and textures.
- Nutritional Boost: Many unusual root vegetables are nutritional powerhouses, packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They can add a significant health boost to your diet.
- Gardening Challenge: Growing these less common crops offers a rewarding challenge for experienced gardeners and a fascinating learning experience for beginners.
- Conversation Starter: Imagine the envy of your neighbors when you harvest a crop of purple carrots or a mound of oca! These vegetables are sure to spark curiosity and conversation.
- Preserving Biodiversity: By growing unusual varieties, you contribute to preserving genetic diversity and supporting heirloom and heritage seed companies.
Unveiling the Underground: A Selection of Unusual Root Vegetables
Let’s explore some of the most intriguing and rewarding unusual root vegetables to grow:
1. Salsify (Tragopogon porrifolius)
Often called the “oyster plant” due to its subtle oyster-like flavor when cooked, salsify is a fascinating root vegetable. It’s a biennial, meaning it flowers in its second year, but it’s the long, slender root that’s prized for its culinary uses. The flavor is delicate, with a hint of sweetness and a creamy texture when cooked. Salsify is a good source of fiber and vitamins.
- Growing Conditions: Salsify prefers a sunny location with well-drained soil. It’s relatively easy to grow, but the roots can be damaged if the soil is too rocky.
- Planting: Sow seeds directly into the ground in early spring or late summer. Thin seedlings to about 4 inches apart.
- Harvesting: Harvest the roots in the fall after the foliage has died back. Be careful when digging, as the roots are easily broken.
- Culinary Uses: Salsify can be boiled, roasted, fried, or added to soups and stews. It pairs well with butter, herbs, and cream sauces.
2. Skirret (Sium sisarum)
Skirret is a perennial root vegetable with a sweet, parsnip-like flavor and a unique appearance. The roots are long and slender, often with a cluster of smaller roots attached. It’s a historical crop, once popular in Europe and Asia. Skirret is rich in carbohydrates and vitamin C.
- Growing Conditions: Skirret thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It’s relatively hardy and can tolerate a range of conditions.
- Planting: Plant skirret crowns (the top part of the root) in early spring or fall. Space them about 12 inches apart.
- Harvesting: Harvest the roots in the fall or winter, after the foliage has died back.
- Culinary Uses: Skirret can be boiled, roasted, or steamed. The roots can be eaten whole or peeled and sliced. They have a slightly sticky texture when cooked.
3. Oca (Oxalis tuberosa)
Oca is a South American tuber that’s becoming increasingly popular. The tubers come in a variety of colors, including red, yellow, pink, and purple. They have a slightly tart, lemony flavor that mellows with cooking. Oca is a good source of carbohydrates and vitamin C.
- Growing Conditions: Oca prefers a cool climate and well-drained soil. It’s sensitive to frost.
- Planting: Plant oca tubers in early spring after the danger of frost has passed. Space them about 12 inches apart.
- Harvesting: Harvest the tubers in the fall, after the foliage has died back.
- Culinary Uses: Oca can be boiled, roasted, fried, or added to stews. The tartness can be reduced by sun-curing the tubers for a few days before cooking.
4. Hamburg Parsley (Petroselinum crispum var. tuberosum)
Unlike the leafy parsley we’re familiar with, Hamburg parsley is grown for its edible root. The root has a parsley-like flavor with a hint of sweetness. It’s a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes. Hamburg parsley is a good source of vitamins and minerals.
- Growing Conditions: Hamburg parsley prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It’s relatively easy to grow.
- Planting: Sow seeds directly into the ground in early spring. Thin seedlings to about 4 inches apart.
- Harvesting: Harvest the roots in the fall, after the foliage has died back.
- Culinary Uses: Hamburg parsley can be boiled, roasted, or added to soups and stews. The root can also be grated and used raw in salads.
5. Black Salsify (Scorzonera hispanica)
Closely related to salsify, black salsify has a darker skin and a slightly different flavor profile. It has a more intense, earthy flavor with a hint of sweetness. Black salsify is a good source of fiber and vitamins.
- Growing Conditions: Black salsify prefers a sunny location with well-drained soil. It’s relatively easy to grow, but the roots can be damaged if the soil is too rocky.
- Planting: Sow seeds directly into the ground in early spring or late summer. Thin seedlings to about 4 inches apart.
- Harvesting: Harvest the roots in the fall after the foliage has died back. Be careful when digging, as the roots are easily broken.
- Culinary Uses: Black salsify can be boiled, roasted, fried, or added to soups and stews. It pairs well with butter, herbs, and cream sauces.
6. Yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius)
Yacon is a South American root vegetable known for its sweet, juicy flesh. It has a crisp texture and a flavor reminiscent of a cross between an apple and a pear. Yacon is low in calories and rich in inulin, a prebiotic fiber.
- Growing Conditions: Yacon prefers a warm climate and well-drained soil. It’s sensitive to frost.
- Planting: Plant yacon crowns (the top part of the root) in early spring after the danger of frost has passed. Space them about 2 feet apart.
- Harvesting: Harvest the tubers in the fall, after the foliage has died back.
- Culinary Uses: Yacon can be eaten raw, sliced in salads, or juiced. It can also be cooked, roasted, or added to stews.
7. Turnips (Brassica rapa) – Beyond the Ordinary
While turnips are more commonly known, there are many varieties that offer unique colors, flavors, and textures. Consider exploring heirloom varieties like the ‘Purple Top White Globe’ or the ‘Golden Ball’ turnip for a more interesting harvest.
- Growing Conditions: Turnips thrive in cool weather and well-drained soil.
- Planting: Sow seeds directly into the ground in early spring or late summer/early fall.
- Harvesting: Harvest when the roots are young and tender.
- Culinary Uses: Turnips can be roasted, mashed, boiled, or added to soups and stews. The greens are also edible.
8. Celeriac (Apium graveolens var. rapaceum)
Celeriac, also known as celery root, is a knobby, unattractive root vegetable with a celery-like flavor. It’s a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes, adding a unique flavor and texture. Celeriac is a good source of vitamins and minerals.
- Growing Conditions: Celeriac prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It needs a long growing season.
- Planting: Start seeds indoors or sow directly into the ground in early spring. Thin seedlings to about 6-8 inches apart.
- Harvesting: Harvest the roots in the fall, after the foliage has died back.
- Culinary Uses: Celeriac can be roasted, mashed, boiled, or added to soups and stews. It can also be grated and used raw in salads.
Planning Your Unusual Root Vegetable Garden
Successfully growing unusual root vegetables requires careful planning and preparation. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Assess Your Growing Conditions
Before you plant anything, evaluate your garden’s conditions. Consider the following:
- Sunlight: Most root vegetables require at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
- Soil: The soil should be well-drained, fertile, and free of rocks and debris. Root vegetables need space to grow, so loose soil is crucial. Amend your soil with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and fertility.
- Climate: Consider your local climate and choose vegetables that are suited to your growing season. Some vegetables, like oca, are sensitive to frost.
- Space: Determine how much space you have available and choose vegetables that will fit in your garden. Some root vegetables can grow quite large.
2. Choose Your Varieties
Once you’ve assessed your growing conditions, select the unusual root vegetables you want to grow. Consider the following factors:
- Flavor: Do some research and choose vegetables that appeal to your taste buds.
- Growing Requirements: Consider the specific needs of each vegetable, such as sunlight, soil type, and growing season.
- Availability: Some unusual root vegetables can be difficult to find. Check with local nurseries or online seed suppliers.
3. Prepare Your Soil
Proper soil preparation is essential for successful root vegetable growth. Here’s how to prepare your soil:
- Clear the area: Remove any weeds, rocks, or debris from the planting area.
- Amend the soil: Add compost, well-rotted manure, or other organic matter to improve drainage, fertility, and soil structure.
- Loosen the soil: Use a garden fork or tiller to loosen the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches. This will allow the roots to grow freely.
- Create raised beds (optional): If your soil is poorly drained, consider creating raised beds to improve drainage.
4. Planting Your Seeds or Transplants
Follow these guidelines for planting your unusual root vegetables:
- Follow seed packet instructions: Seed packets provide specific information on planting depth, spacing, and timing.
- Sow seeds directly or start indoors: Some vegetables, like salsify, are best sown directly into the ground. Others, like celeriac, may benefit from being started indoors.
- Transplant seedlings carefully: When transplanting seedlings, be gentle and avoid disturbing the roots.
- Water thoroughly: After planting, water the soil deeply to help the plants establish themselves.
5. Caring for Your Plants
Provide regular care to ensure a bountiful harvest:
- Watering: Water your plants regularly, especially during dry periods. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- Weeding: Remove weeds regularly to prevent them from competing with your plants for nutrients and water.
- Fertilizing: Fertilize your plants with a balanced fertilizer according to the package directions. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth and poor root development.
- Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch, such as straw or wood chips, to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
- Pest and Disease Control: Monitor your plants for pests and diseases. Take appropriate action if any problems arise. Use organic pest control methods whenever possible.
6. Harvesting Your Bounty
The timing of harvesting varies depending on the vegetable. Here’s a general guide:
- Check seed packets: Seed packets will provide information on the time to maturity for each vegetable.
- Harvest when roots are the right size: The size of the root will determine when to harvest. Some vegetables, like turnips, are best harvested when they are young and tender.
- Use a garden fork: Use a garden fork to carefully lift the roots from the soil, being careful not to damage them.
- Clean and store your harvest: Gently brush off any soil and store your harvest in a cool, dark place. Some vegetables, like salsify, can be stored in the refrigerator for several weeks.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Even with careful planning, you may encounter some challenges when growing unusual root vegetables. Here are some common problems and how to address them:
- Poor Root Development: This can be caused by compacted soil, inadequate watering, or insufficient nutrients. Amend the soil, water regularly, and fertilize as needed.
- Pests: Common pests include root maggots, nematodes, and wireworms. Use row covers, crop rotation, and other organic pest control methods to manage pests.
- Diseases: Common diseases include root rot and fungal infections. Ensure good air circulation, avoid overwatering, and use disease-resistant varieties when possible.
- Bolting: Bolting, or premature flowering, can occur if plants are stressed by heat, drought, or other factors. Choose varieties that are less prone to bolting and provide adequate water and care.
- Small or misshapen roots: This can be caused by rocky soil, inconsistent watering, or nutrient deficiencies. Amend the soil, water regularly, and fertilize as needed.
Culinary Delights: Preparing and Enjoying Your Harvest
Once you’ve harvested your unusual root vegetables, it’s time to enjoy them! Here are some ideas for preparing and enjoying your bounty:
- Roasting: Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of many root vegetables. Simply toss the vegetables with olive oil, herbs, and spices, and roast until tender.
- Boiling: Boiling is a simple way to cook root vegetables. Serve them with butter, herbs, or a sauce.
- Mashing: Mash root vegetables with butter, cream, and spices for a comforting side dish.
- Soups and Stews: Add root vegetables to soups and stews for added flavor and nutrition.
- Raw in Salads: Some root vegetables, like Hamburg parsley and yacon, can be grated and added raw to salads.
- Pickling: Preserve your harvest by pickling root vegetables.
Here are some specific recipe ideas:
- Roasted Salsify with Rosemary and Garlic: Toss salsify with olive oil, rosemary, garlic, salt, and pepper. Roast until tender.
- Skirret and Potato Mash: Boil skirret and potatoes until tender. Mash with butter, milk, and seasonings.
- Oca and Beet Salad with Citrus Dressing: Slice oca and beets. Toss with a citrus dressing and fresh herbs.
- Hamburg Parsley Soup: Sauté Hamburg parsley roots with onions and garlic. Add broth and simmer until tender. Puree the soup and season.
- Black Salsify Gratin: Slice black salsify and layer in a baking dish with cream and Gruyere cheese. Bake until bubbly and golden.
- Yacon and Apple Salad with Walnuts: Slice yacon and apples. Toss with walnuts, a vinaigrette dressing, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Beyond the Basics: Advanced Growing Techniques
For experienced gardeners, here are some advanced techniques to consider:
- Succession Planting: Plant successive crops of root vegetables throughout the growing season to extend your harvest.
- Crop Rotation: Rotate your crops each year to prevent soil-borne diseases and pests.
- Companion Planting: Plant companion plants that benefit root vegetables, such as carrots and onions.
- Cover Cropping: Plant cover crops, such as rye or clover, to improve soil health and suppress weeds.
- Seed Saving: Save seeds from your best-performing plants to ensure a consistent supply of your favorite varieties.
Conclusion: Embark on Your Root Vegetable Adventure
Growing unusual root vegetables is a rewarding experience that can add excitement and flavor to your garden and your meals. By following the tips and techniques outlined in this guide, you can successfully cultivate your own garden of extraordinary roots. Embrace the challenge, experiment with different varieties, and enjoy the culinary delights that await you. Happy gardening!
