Parsnip Picking / Packing
A parsnip, just like the carrot, parsley and celery belong to the family of Apiaceae. This type of vegetable is a biennial type, meaning they normally bloom on their second year and eventually die after. In Australia, where parsnips are commercially grown, they are readily available all year round and they are mostly found in areas with cooler climate such as West Gingin, Myalup, Carabooda and Wanneroo. There are several varieties available, but the most popular ones include Melbourne Whiteskin and Hollow Crown. It is in Western Australia that these open pollinated varieties are largely grown including the Dusk variety, known to grow easier during the summer season.
Growing parsnips allow you to seed them all year round, but the best time for the seeds to germinate is during the cooler months of the year. Parsnip germination can be expected within 14 days, however, colder season can delay the germination time to up to 4 weeks. Thinning of seed is not required when you plant them using a seed sower, however, if they are hand sown, it is not healthy to have their roots crowded that is why thinning is very important. Spacing is also an integral part of planting parsnips and you should allow at least 30 to 40cm apart for the plant to totally flourish.
Knowing when is the perfect time to harvest parsnips will give you good crops. Normally, parsnips mature in a span of 4 months. Some growers leave them longer during the winter season and harvest them after. Parsnips are usually harvested ones they have reached their full size, in order to know that, you must be aware of the time you planted them and calculate the number of days. Ones, they are ready for harvesting, you can start digging the roots, mindful not to break or cut the roots for a longer storage time. To begin harvesting, cut the leaves or foliage and leave at least an inch from the root. Begin digging for the root using your preferred type of spading tool. In order to avoid cutting the root, expect it to be 2 inches wide and 12 inches long, set space to start digging.
For backpackers who wish to work as harvesters in the regional parts of Australia, parsnip harvesting is just one of the many agricultural job that is readily available to pay anyone who is eligible to work on the farm. Australian tourists usually turn to this type of job in order to qualify for a visa extension or simply to give themselves a financial allowance during their stay in the country. Pay is usually done per piece or daily, depending on what is stipulated in your contract.
Parsnips are known to contain more sugar content than carrots and radishes; however, its sweet juice is a good source of several fiber, nutrients and vitamins. Parsnips also have anti-inflammatory and anticancer content and its anti-oxidant nature has allowed consumers to minimize free radicals inside the body. Parsnips also contain insoluble and soluble dietary fiber that is excellent for the body.
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