2.5.3 Umbelliferae vegetables
Umbelliferae (Umbellaceae) is another vegetable-rich family. In addition to the tuberous
vegetables, the seeds from the plants are valuable food sources with health regulatory
properties. The major vegetables of this family include parsnip (Pastinaca sativa), carrot
(Daucus carota var. sativa), celeriac (Apium graveolens var. rapaceum), celery (Apium
graveolens var. dulce), and fennel (Foeniculum vulgare). Carrot and parsnip roots can be
stored for a considerably long period in cold. Carrots can be stored for over 6 months at
near-zero temperatures. Storing along with fruits and vegetables that evolve ethylene gas
causes the development of bitter taste in carrots. The leaf bases of celery and fennel are
used as vegetables and have a shelf life of 1–2 weeks in the refrigerator. Celeriac, often
called celery roots, can be stored refrigerated for several weeks