Paula Stephens, age 10, of Lake Charles, La., for her question:

WHERE DID THE OYSTER PLANT COME FROM?

The oyster plant, also called the "salsify," is found throughout much of the northern part of the United States. This biennial garden vegetable is a native to the Mediterranean area.

The vegetable received its name because its fleshy root has an oyster like flavor.

The tapering roots of the oyster plant are used in many European and American homes as a table vegetable. A common method of preparation consists in cutting them into small pieces, boiling them until they are tender and then serving them in a cream sauce.

Oyster plants are also good boiled, then dipped first in a beaten egg and then in cracker crumbs and fried. They also give a nice flavor to soups.

Farmers cultivate the oyster plant in the same manner as the parsnip. The roots are easily kept over winter, either in the ground or stored in a cool, moist place.