Scorzonera Maxima is an unusual root vegetable that deserves to be more popular with a unique oyster like flavour, sometimes incorrectly called black salsify which is a different species. Scorzonera is, in nature, a perennial, but acts like a biennial. While it can be planted in the spring and harvested in the autumn, it can also be overwintered and left to grow on further. Best grown like parsnips but the fine roots have to be carefully lifted to avoid breaking and a light sandy soil suits them best.
