Why did my roasted parsnips fail?

[Parsniped]

I roasted parsnips for the first time in my life just before Easter this year and although a bit burnt, they were crispy, caramelised and delicious.

The second time a few days later, I didn't leave them as long in the oven and they came out perfect.

Since then I've been roasting parsnips regularly but suddenly they started coming out bone dry and tasteless.

I made many changes but nothing helped. Given that the first few times they were great, I don't think it has anything to do with the way I roasted them.

What could have happened?

Isn't it just because parsnips are not in season now, so not great quality vs in-season parsnips, with fewer sugars to get that nice caramelisation?

I agree, it is the wrong season for parsnips. They won’t be nearly as sweet, the natural sugars will have decayed to starches.

Leave go of parsnips until late autumn when the new season begins.

I like those replies - at least I can't blame myself 😀.
Does that mean no one up and down Britain roasts parsnips over summer, or if they are, they're not successful?

Maybe be frozen ones would work?

Never thought of that.
Do they even exist?
I don't remember seeing them in the frozen section.

Wrong season. No good eating parsnips harvested before the first frosts. The cold triggers the plants to convert the starches to sugars, which is why they are best eaten in the winter months.

I don’t ever make parsnips in the summer, no. It’s a winter veg for me. You could try pre-soaking in water first (after chopping), dry and roast. Mostly, I’d just enjoy all the lovely fresh summer veg and try again in the autumn.

Yes it’s because they’re out of season.

It’s better to eat whatever is in season for every reason. Not least because there’s always something to look forward to!

If they’ve got any sense they don’t. Winter cropping veg aren’t any good in summer. Summer veg are either forced and fairly tasteless or are shipped a long way in winter.

Seasonality may have faded out of the public consciousness with international trade, but it still makes a difference to many foods.

@Parsniped aldi do a really lovely frozen honey parsnip. Absolutely gorgeous. Parsnips are best after the first frost according to my dad who's been growing them for years lol

We don't eat parsnips in the summer. We have frozen in Autumn before the first frosts have got to them.

I cooked a roast dinner yesterday and my Lidl didn't have any at all in stock when they usually do, was most annoyed. I'm in North Germany.

@Bananalanacake
When I first came to live in Germany (Hessen) in 1988 you could not get parsnips, swede or green asparagus.
Now you can, in the right season, but it has taken decades!