Haha! Very well played my friend! You are right, it is impossible for me to find salsify on my local market stalls! It has been so many years since I last used them in my cuisine...back in 2007-2008 if i am not mistaken! The only way to get them was to import from France.
You again delivered a very high class entry in the contest and made so many of us discover this awesome roots!
ps. your hirsotto is such a creative name btw, simply love it!
Thanks so much!