Salsify, << SAL suh fy, >> is a garden vegetable. It is also called oyster plant because its root has an oysterlike flavor. The plant is native to the Mediterranean area but also grows in the United States. The tapering roots are used in Europe and America as a table vegetable. A common method of preparation consists in cutting the roots into small pieces, boiling until tender, and creaming. They are also good boiled, then dipped in cracker crumbs and fried. They give an agreeable flavor to soups. Farmers cultivate salsify in the same way as the parsnip. The roots are easily kept over winter if stored in cool, moist earth.
