Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa) is a root vegetable that looks like a carrot, but has the colour of a turnip. Its unique flavour is actually of mix of them, yet sweeter. This highly healthy vegetable needs the cold to grow. This is why it is very popular in the mountain city of Covilhã, known as the parsnip capital.
Cultivation dates back to ancient times in Eurasia: before the potato, cherovia took its place. In Portugal, it is grown in the Serra da Estrela region. It was scientifically identified in 1837.
In nutritional terms, cherovia is richer in vitamins and mineral salts than carrots, but it stands out essentially for the amount of potassium, phosphorus, vitamin A, vitamin B and also for its caloric value. It can be eaten cooked, but also raw. It has a deeply refined flavour, giving a special touch to every soup.
The charming restaurant Taberna A Laranjinha, located in the historical centre of Covilhã, offers its guests many irresistible delicacies made of parsnip!
