Scorzonera in flower

I sowed my scorzonera seeds last spring and the roots should have been ready to harvest in the autumn/winter. But as the roots were looking pretty small, I left them in the ground. I am glad I did.

Scorzonera is a biennial/perennial and so flowers in the second year and what beautiful flowers they are. They rise on tall stalks above the leaves. I was wondering about leaving a few plants in the ground for next year, but the hot dry weather has put paid to that. The plants wilted horribly and so I have just dug up the long black roots, which are much thicker and ready for eating.

 One tip on preparing the roots for eating - they produce a thick white glue-like substance when cut or peeled, so blanche them first, after this the black skin can just be scraped off easily.