Even if you're not familiar with scorzonera, you've definitely met one of its Asteraceae relatives: the sunflower. That's why you'll recognize the cheery yellow flowers put up by this tall perennial. But that's not actually scorzonera's claim to fame. Underground, black salsify (as it's also known) produces a long, straight taproot. Remove the black skin to reveal starchy white flesh that can be boiled or roasted. It has an artichoke-like flavor and is full of vitamins and minerals.