So it’s my first full winter here in Toronto, a winter I’m told has been a little sporadic and unpredictable. Probably the only thing usual about this time of year is the miniscule selection of produce for the local eater. Adhering to a local diet means I’m (re)discovering my root vegetables.
Bringing up root veggies—beets, tubers, onions, parsnips and the like—generally also brings up the nose. When I think about why we have such aversions to the roots, I realize it’s because when we were children roots equaled overboiled, flavourless mush. Of course, if I delve further, it’s probably my own fault vegetables turned out that way, what with mom running after me instead of keeping an eye on the stove. As such, probably the only popular root is the potato, a long standing staple around the world. But even potatoes in their infinite preparations can get old, fast. (more…)
