Definition

Noun 1. A perennial plant: A European herb (Scorzonera hispanica) with long, narrow leaves, solitary yellow flower heads, and a long, black-skinned edible taproot. 2. An edible root vegetable: The long, black-skinned root of this plant, which is shaped like a carrot and used as a food item. It is also known as scorzonera.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Plant):
  • The black salsify is cultivated in gardens for its edible root.
  • You can identify black salsify by its yellow, dandelion-like flowers.
• Noun (Vegetable):
  • We peeled and boiled the black salsify to serve with butter.
  • The flavor of black salsify is often compared to that of asparagus or oyster plant.

Advanced Usage

• Culinary Context: The term is primarily used in cooking and gardening contexts to specify this particular variety of salsify, distinguished by its black skin. The preparation typically involves peeling the black skin to reveal the white flesh inside.
  • For the recipe, scrub the black salsify thoroughly before peeling to remove any soil.

Variants and Related Words

• Scorzonera (n): Another common name for black salsify, often used interchangeably.
  • Scorzonera is a popular winter vegetable in some European cuisines.
• Salsify (n): A general term for plants in the and genera. Note: Common salsify () has a pale, creamy root, while black salsify has a dark root.
  • Both common salsify and black salsify belong to the daisy family.

Synonyms

• Scorzonera (n): The direct botanical and culinary synonym.
• Viper's-grass (n, archaic): An old common name derived from the historical belief that the root was an antidote for snake bites.

Noun

1. long black salsify
2. perennial south European herb having narrow entire leaves and solitary yellow flower heads and long black edible roots shaped like carrots