Bring a pot of water to a boil. Salt the water if desired. Trim the root and leaf ends of the parsnips. Scrub the parsnips with a vegetable brush while rinsing under cool water. Peel any part of the outer parsnip that is not favorable to eating. Place the parsnips into the boiling water and reduce to a simmer. Cook for 5 - 15 minutes, until the parsnips are tender.
Trim the root and leaf ends of the parsnips. Scrub the parsnips with a vegetable brush while rinsing under cool water. Peel any part of the outer parsnip that is not favorable to eating. Put the whole parsnips into a steamer and place over boiling water. Steam for 20 - 30 minutes.
Quarter the parsnips lengthwise. Put 2 tbsp. (28. 56 ml) of water into a microwave safe dish. Place the parsnips into the dish and cover. Microwave on high for 4 - 6 minutes.
