Forgotten winter vegetables you should get to know (again)
8 January 2026
The same vegetables often end up on our plates during the winter months. Yet this is precisely the period when many forgotten winter vegetables are at their best. Vegetables that used to be very common, but are now used less often. Which is a shame, because they are tasty, versatile and fit perfectly with winter dishes. That is why we highlight a few of them in this blog.
Parsnips: a winter classic with character
A good example of such a forgotten vegetable is parsnip. This cream-coloured root used to be eaten a lot, but fell into the background when potatoes became more popular. Meanwhile, parsnips are making a definite comeback. The vegetable has a slightly sweet, nutty flavour, making it very suitable for winter preparations. Especially in winter, parsnips from the Netherlands are widely available and of good quality. This makes it a logical choice for seasonal cooking.
Parsnips are surprisingly versatile. A popular recipe is glazed parsnip, in which the vegetable is gently simmered with orange juice, among other ingredients. This makes for a warm, aromatic dish that goes well with other winter vegetables. In addition, parsnip is suitable for soups, oven dishes and stews. With few ingredients, you can quickly put a tasty winter dish on the table.
Salsify: the 'kitchen maid's delight' rediscovered
Salsify also deserves a place in the winter kitchen. Their dark skin and cleaning gave them the nickname kitchen maid's regret, but in terms of taste they are actually a surprise. Salsify has a mild, full flavour that is often compared to asparagus.
Salsify is a typical example of a forgotten vegetable that goes very well with warm winter dishes. In oven dishes or creamy preparations, they come into their own and provide variety on the plate. An example is the oven dish with salsify, a complete meal that shows how versatile this vegetable is.
More forgotten vegetables to discover
Besides parsnips and salsify, there are many more vegetables that are lesser known but offer plenty of possibilities. Also discover the forgotten vegetables Jerusalem artichoke, turnip, radish and purslane on Veggipedia. These vegetables work well in soups, salads and roasted vegetable dishes and bring new flavours to familiar winter meals.