One in five Brits think parsnips grow on trees

One in five Brits believe that parsnips grow on trees, a survey reveals today.

Parsnips Credit: Photo: GETTY

The same amount (20 per cent) think that melons grow in the soil, according to the poll of 2,000 adults.

Nearly a third confessed that they have no idea how some of the most basic fruit and vegetables grow, with 10 per cent saying tomatoes have to be dug up.

A quarter of adults (25 per cent) are regularly foxed when kids ask them where certain foods come from, the research for Potato Week found.

A fifth have never heard of a King Edward or a Maris Piper, but just one in 20 feel completely embarrassed by their lack of knowledge.

Other common blunders include naming a Granny Smith as a variety of potato (5 per cent).

Caroline Evans, from Potato Council, said: "Our research shows that some grown-ups still really need to brush up on their foodie knowledge.

"It is worrying to think that there are people out there who believe types of apples to be potatoes and that well known varieties of British grown spuds are unheard of.

"There is plenty of information available, such as our new potato classification guide, so they can brush up on their facts.

"It's especially important if children are inquisitive enough to ask where food comes from."

Asparagus and swede are the vegetables people find hardest to cook, the poll showed.

Half of people (50 per cent) complained that their roast potatoes are not fluffy enough, and 28 per cent can't get their mash potato satisfyingly smooth.

A further 34 per cent can't make boiled potatoes hold their shape, and one in 20 struggle to cook potatoes generally.

The statistics are being released during Potato Week as the Potato Council launches its simple potato classification - Fluffy, Salad and Smooth.

Ms Evans added: "Varieties of potato are a good guide but, as the survey shows, not everyone is aware of them.

"Our classification system makes it easier for everybody to pick the potato that's right for each dish, every time."