Campanula rapunculus

This biennial vegetable dates back to the middle ages. An interesting history note, the Brothers Grimm named their character Rapunzel after this plant. The root is shaped like a little turnip and has a radish taste. They are harvested in the fall. Older roots are cooked like turnips. The leaves are medicinal and an all round tonic. The flowers are small blue nodding bells. The young shoots are blanched like asparagus. Hardy to all zones. The seed is very tiny, start indoors in early spring, just covering with soil.