Skirret a member of the Apaiceae (carrot) family is not a common or often used crop. The root can be compared to a sweet potato, which does well baked, stewed, boiled, or roasted. Skirret is a versatile tuber that complements many dishes, and livens up tired meals. It has a woody core that is inedible, and should be removed before cooking.

The shoots can be steamed or stir-fried much like bamboo shoots, while the root is treated in the same manner as asparagus. Lightly boil or steam the roots, and serve with butter and salt, or with white sauce. It can be added to various meat dishes, stews, vegetable pies, and traditional Chinese stir-fry. Tubers can be pickled, and taste good served alongside cold meats and salads.

This hardy perennial grows to 2-4 ft (60-120cm) the first two years, after that it can reach a height of up to 6 ft (2m). It can be grown as an annual when the roots are used for eating.

Ideal site- Skirret prefers rich, well-drained, loam soil, free from stones, and prefers full sun, but will tolerate light shade. Prior to planting apply a medium-fertility soil improver. Ideal soil pH is 6.5-7.0

Cultivation- this crop should be sown in the spring, after the last frost. Sow seeds thinly and cover with ½ (1cm) of soil. Once seedlings emerge, plants should be thinned to 12in (30cm). Skirret is not suited for indoor growing.

Spacing- Rows: 12 x 30in (30 x 75cm) Block Planting: 30in (75cm)

Plant Care: Water during dry periods; keep well weeded when plants are young. Once established the plant is extremely hardy, easily withstanding temperature extremes such as heat and excessive frost.

Problems- Skirret is usually problem free.

Harvesting- To harvest, gather young shoots in the spring. Fall is the best time to dig up roots. Roots should be left in the ground until needed; however if they are removed, tubers can be frozen.

Nutrients- Skirret roots contain dietary fiber, vitamin A, and Vitamin C. The the more nutritious sprouts, contain vitamin A, B3,B6, E , K,C, folate, manganese, magnesium, zinc, and molybderum.


Where to find these seeds?    Skirret is very minor vegetable outside of China and Japan. It is not easy to find in the US but we did find them at this website, an organic variety as well.    http://www.amishlandseeds.com/rare_seeds.htm