Dorothy FarrarSalsify
Black salsify has the botanical name Scorzonera L. and belongs to the daisy family (Asteraceae). The garden black salsify is used as a root vegetable and is also known as winter asparagus. The winter vegetable is mainly found in Eurasia and is related to the dandelion.
Worth knowing about black salsify
Black salsify is mostly an annual plant. They can be herbaceous or occur in the form of subshrubs. Depending on the species, they can be between five centimeters and one meter high. The plant has hairy or smooth stems that are mostly erect and branched into one another. The leaves can be similarly different. They are either sessile or stalked and simple to pinnate.
In earlier times, black salsify was used as a medicinal plant. Especially in the early modern period, at the time of the plague epidemics, black salsify was a popular remedy. The plant has only been cultivated as a vegetable since 1700, as nobody knew about the white flesh under the dark skin before.
Harvesting black salsify is relatively laborious, which is why the term “poor man’s asparagus” is rather misleading. In fact, black salsify costs hardly less than real asparagus . When harvesting, meticulous care must be taken, since even small injuries to the skin can lead to the roots drying out.
Black salsify originally came from Spain, but is now also cultivated in France, Belgium and the Netherlands. Black salsify season is between October and April. In terms of taste, the vegetables only have a little bit of the asparagus. It tastes very spicy, a bit nutty and the aroma is more intense.
importance to health
Only a few know about the positive effects of black salsify on health. Along with peas and beans , black salsify has the most nutrients of all vegetables. It has a particularly good effect on the fat metabolism and contributes to the maintenance of the intestinal flora . In addition, it has few calories and fat and is therefore also suitable for figure-conscious people.
In addition, salsify is draining and stimulates the formation of red blood cells . They help the liver to detoxify and reduce the absorption of toxins from the environment. This includes, for example, lead. Finally, black salsify is said to have a revitalizing and awakening effect. It is said to help against stress , promote wound healing and ensure a good night’s sleep.
Ingredients & nutritional values
Black salsify contains large amounts of calcium and phosphorus. There is also a remarkable amount of inulin in the vegetables. The potassium it contains is responsible for drainage. Sometimes black salsify has a large amount of nitrate. This is worth mentioning insofar as nitrosamines can develop from this. These are harmful to the human body, but can be mitigated with sauces or drinks rich in vitamin C.
| Calories and nutrients (per 100g) | ||
| kilocalories/kilojoules | 17 kcal/ 70 kj | |
| protein | 1,40 g | |
| carbohydrates | 1,63 g | |
| Fett | 0,40 g | |
| Water | 88,28 g | |
| fiber | 4,30 g | |
| Vitamin E | 6000 µg | |
intolerances
Intolerances to plants from the daisy family are not uncommon. On the contrary: many people are allergic to different types of vegetables, tea or salad. Black salsify is no exception here.
Typical allergic reactions are itchy skin rashes and oral discomfort. Inflammation or blisters can occur in the mouth . It can be similarly problematic for the gastrointestinal tract . Some sufferers react with diarrhea or stomach pains .
The reactions can vary in strength. Depending on the severity of the allergy, symptoms can be mild or life-threatening.
Shopping and kitchen tips
When buying black salsify, you should pay attention to the freshness. The plant should be undamaged. Cutting the root shows how fresh the root is: if the milky juice comes out, the vegetable is fresh. The roots will keep for a week or two in the vegetable drawer of the refrigerator. They can either be wrapped in a damp kitchen towel or cling film.
Before preparing it, it makes sense to put on rubber gloves, since the milky juice will stain. The root can be peeled with a vegetable peeler before preparation. After thorough washing, it can be cut and processed depending on the recipe.
Peeling is made easier by boiling the root in vinegar- cumin -water. After quenching, the shell can be removed without any problems.
preparation tips
Various sauces are suitable for salsify. Béchamel sauce or Hollandaise sauce are often used. But liquid butter can also give the black salsify the finishing touch.
In Germany, the vegetable is usually prepared in a similar way to asparagus and eaten with potatoes and lean ham. Another way of preparing it is to use it in salads or as a filling for crepes. It can also be baked crispy or served in a batter coating.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.