salsify
Definition
Noun 1. A plant (Tragopogon porrifolius): A biennial herb, native to the Mediterranean, with purple flowers, milky sap, and a long, edible taproot. It is also called "oyster plant" or "vegetable oyster." 2. The edible root of this plant: A long, pale, carrot-like root vegetable with a flavor sometimes compared to oysters or artichokes. It is eaten cooked. 3. (Less common) A related plant (Tragopogon pratensis): Sometimes called "meadow salsify" or "goat's beard," this plant has yellow flowers and a root that is also edible.
Usage Examples
- As a plant:
- The purple flowers of the salsify are quite striking in the garden.
- We are growing salsify for its unique-tasting root.
- As a vegetable/food:
- The chef prepared a puree of roasted salsify.
- You can boil, mash, or fry salsify like a parsnip.
Advanced Usage
- Culinary Context: Salsify is often categorized as a "forgotten" or "heirloom" vegetable. Its skin must be peeled and the root is typically placed in acidulated water (water with lemon juice or vinegar) after peeling to prevent discoloration before cooking.
- After peeling the salsify, keep it in lemon water to retain its color.
Variants and Related Words
- Oyster Plant: A common name for (salsify).
- Vegetable Oyster: Another common name for salsify, referring to its flavor.
- Goat's Beard / Meadow Salsify: Common names for the related .
- Scorzonera (Black Salsify): A different plant () with a black-skinned root, used similarly in cooking. It is not true salsify but is often grouped with it.
Synonyms
- Oyster plant (for the common purple-flowered variety)
- Vegetable oyster (for the common purple-flowered variety)
Related Phrases/Idioms
- No common idioms or phrasal verbs are directly associated with this specific word. It is primarily a botanical and culinary term.
Noun
-
either of two long roots eaten cooked
-
Mediterranean biennial herb with long-stemmed heads of purple ray flowers and milky sap and long edible root; naturalized throughout United States
-
edible root of the salsify plant
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