root vegetables

Until I walked past a bin of them on my last trip to the Chinese market, I'd completely forgotten about daikon radishes. The long, white vegetable, which looks like an oversize carrot, isn't that prevalent at Western markets, but is a staple in Asian cuisines. Although the milky-fleshed daikon can be found year-round at some grocery stores, the vegetables are sweetest and mildest during the cold weather months. If possible, shop for them at an Asian supermarket, where they're likely to be fresh, as they may grow bitter with age. Store them in a cool, dry place, where they'll keep for several weeks. If you're new to cooking with radishes, the concept may seem daunting, but this peppery giant is surprisingly versatile. To learn a few ways to enjoy it, read more

Over the weekend, when the cold, wet drizzle refused to let up, I developed an undeniable desire to load up on starchy, al dente pasta. I couldn't just ditch my resolve to eat only nutrient-rich, wholesome fare, so I came to a compromise by preparing a healthful pasta with root vegetables.

In addition to being full of protein, fiber, and more vitamins than I have room to list, this speedy recipe requires less than an hour from start to finish. The turnips, beets, and yams take advantage of the stovetop, rather than the oven, for timesaving yet tender results. Hoping to scout out a good-for-you comfort dish? You've come to the right place. Get the recipe when you read more.

Depending where you live, having access to a variety of fresh produce can be hard during the Winter months. Thank goodness that root vegetables are in abundance though. These hearty vegetables hold up perfectly in comforting cold-weather dishes like stews, soups, and curries. And while most people are very familiar with carrots and potatoes, I've always been a sucker for parsnips — the neglected star of root veggies.

Parsnips look like a carrot that completely lost its orange hue. In terms of taste, they have the delicate flavors that are usually associated with root vegetables, but I find that a parsnip is sweeter than a carrot or potato. Nutritionally, it's a starchy veggie that's low in calories and is a good source of folic acid, vitamin C, and potassium. They also contain a decent amount of fiber and calcium too.

For me, cooking with parsnips is really easy because you can treat them pretty much the same way you do potatoes. I find that parsnips taste best roasted, especially when added to a Winter veggie medley because they add a nice sweetness to the dish. They also taste great diced in a stew or curry, or as a soup puree — especially when paired with cauliflower. For a little something different, add parsnips to your mashed potatoes or a gratin.

When shopping, look for medium-sized parsnips that are firm and blemish free. Raw parsnips can be stored for up to four weeks in your refrigerator. Pick some up at your local market this week! Tell me if you love the parsnip in the comments section below.

On a recent trip to my favorite local farmers market, the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, I bought way too many vegetables — including a few bunches of elegant French breakfast radishes from Petaluma-based Marin Roots Farm.

Although radishes are available in Northern California year-round, it's during Spring and Summer months when one can truly appreciate them for their crisp texture and spicy-juicy bite. These root vegetables are related to the turnip and horseradish families, and come in a myriad of varieties, from my dainty, fine-textured breakfast radishes, with their fuschia-hued base and white tips, to fiery red globes, trippy-looking watermelon radishes, and large, sweet daikons. Learn what I did with mine