When should I harvest parsnips?

Question:

When should I harvest parsnips?

Answer:

Parsnips should be harvested in late fall after exposure to several light freezes.  The low temperatures convert starches to sugars, improving the parsnip’s sweet, nut-like flavor.  After harvest, trim off the foliage ½ inch above the roots and store the parsnips at a temperature of 32 degrees Fahrenheit and relative humidity of 95 to 98%. 
   
Gardeners can also leave a portion of the crop in the ground over winter.  After several hard freezes, cover the parsnips with several inches of straw.  Harvest the remaining crop in early spring before growth resumes. 
 

Learn more about growing carrots in this article: Growing Carrots and Parsnips