By Tozer Seeds America
Santa Maria, Calif. – Tozer Seeds America (Tozer), pioneer of the first F1 parsnip hybrid developed over three decades ago, gears up for the North American parsnip growing season as renewed consumer demand increases in 2015 for this sweet and succulent root vegetable.
Tozer is seeing new demand for parsnips in northern U.S. and southern Canada with Food Network claiming parsnips to be a new superfood on the rise and USA Today calling parsnips the next big thing in healthy snacking. Consumers are enjoying parsnips for their versatility – parsnips can be used in a variety of dishes or even be turned into wine – and health benefits – parsnip chips are a popular alternative to potato chips and were also featured on the hit TV series “The Biggest Loser.” Typically a winter vegetable, parsnips are now available year-round in supermarkets and farmers markets throughout the U.S.
“The introduction of F1 parsnip hybrids moved the market toward a washable, firm and narrower parsnip,” said Kraig Kuykendall, sales manager of Tozer Seeds America. “It enabled the production of a more consistently marketable and cost effective product.”
The development of new and improved parsnip varieties has been important in the history of Tozer. It continues to develop new hybrids with good vigor, canker resistance, shallow crowns, smooth skin, resistance to bruising and white roots of uniform shape and size. Growers interested in Tozer’s parsnips can learn more here.
About Tozer Seeds America
Tozer Seeds America is the U.S. branch of Tozer Seeds, the largest independent and family-owned vegetable breeding company in the U.K. Tozer Seeds specializes in breeding, production and distribution of quality vegetable seed. Tozer Seeds America opened in 2008 and is located in Santa Maria, California.