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Skirret – The Forgotten Vegetable – Herbaceous Perennial

Sium sisarum – Skirret Other common names: crummock, jellico

Skirret, a starchy root vegetable that belongs to the carrot family, was once a popular crop in Europe during Roman times. The Emperor Tiberius was particularly fond of it, and even demanded it as a tribute from the Germans. It was the main root crop eaten in Europe before the potato was introduced. Skirret has a unique taste between a carrot and parsnip and can be found in sweet and savoury dishes. The name “skirret” is derived from a Germanic origin meaning “sugar root”. However, despite its popularity in the past, skirret has faded from gardens and tables over time.

Skirret is a vegetable that is quite easy to grow once you know how. Unlike most of its relatives, it is a perennial plant that produces a bunch of roots, making it easy to lift and replant. Skirret can be grown from seed and produces a single “crown” consisting of several shoot buds around the base of a stem, with a cluster of roots attached. To form a clump made from several crowns, a crown can be divided easily. However, some of the roots in a cluster are not worth picking, so it’s best to dig up the clump, snip off the roots that are worth having, and replant.

Skirret roots can sometimes have a woody core that can’t be softened even after prolonged cooking. This issue is more common in young plants but may disappear as they grow older. It can also be caused by insufficient water during the growing period. Alternatively, it may be due to genetic factors that vary from plant to plant.

Another yield from skirret is the immature flower stems, which have a nice carroty taste when boiled or steamed. They are fairly substantial and produced in reasonable volume, but they are fast-growing and soon harden off, so if you want more than a brief harvest you will have to freeze some.

Skirret can be grown from crowns, but it’s not easy to obtain them. You either have to spend a lot of money or start from seed. Skirret is not easy to grow from seed because it needs a period of winter cold to germinate. If you’re planning to grow Skirret from seed, make sure you source current-year seed in the autumn and stratify it right away. The seed loses viability quickly, like many plants in the Apiaceae family.

Growing your own food in your garden is a fantastic way to eat healthily, save money, and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing exactly where your food comes from. Whether you have a large garden or a small balcony, there are plenty of ways to grow your own produce all year round. This guide will provide you with some essential tips on how to get started and maintain a fruitful garden so you can feed your family with your own home-grown produce.

Plan your garden: Before planting anything, consider what you want to grow and how much space you have. Research what plants grow best in your region and determine how much light and water they require. You can start small with a few pots of vegetables or herbs, or build raised beds to maximize your growing space.

Prepare your soil: Healthy soil equals healthy plants. Test your soil and amend it with compost or other organic matter to improve its structure and nutrient content. Consider using companion planting to help control pests and attract beneficial insects. Remember to water your plants regularly, especially in hot weather.

Choose your crops: Consider what your family likes to eat and select crops accordingly. Start with easy-to-grow vegetables such as lettuce, beans, and tomatoes. Herbs like basil, thyme, and rosemary are also great options, as they can be used to add flavour to meals and are relatively easy to care for.

Harvest and store your produce: Keep an eye on your plants and harvest them when they are ripe, as this will encourage them to produce more. Storing your produce correctly will ensure that it stays fresh for as long as possible. Consider canning, freezing, or drying excess produce to enjoy later in the year.

Make it a family affair: Gardening is a fun and educational activity that the whole family can enjoy. Involve kids in the gardening process by allowing them to help with planting, watering, and harvesting. Use gardening as an opportunity to teach kids about nutrition, sustainability, and the environment.

In conclusion, growing your own food in your garden is a rewarding and sustainable way to feed your family. It may take some time and effort, but with the right planning, preparation, and care, your garden can provide you with a bounty of fresh and nutritious produce. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, there’s no better time to start growing your own food and enjoying the many benefits it can bring to your life. Happy gardening!