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Botanical Name
Petroselinum crispum
Other Names
Garden parsley
Description
A species of flowering plant in the family Apiaceae that is native to the central Mediterranean region. Parsley is widely cultivated as an herb, a spice, and a vegetable. Two of the most common types of parsley used are curly leaf parsley and flat leaf parsley.
Vitamins, Minerals and Health Benefits
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin K
- Folate
- Potassium
- Flavonoids: myricetin, apigenin
- Carotenoids: Lutein, beta carotene, zeaxanthin
Good for:
- Bone health
- Eye health
- Heart health
Note: Excessive consumption of parsley should be avoided by pregnant women. Normal food quantities are safe for pregnant women, but consuming excessively large amounts may have uterotonic effects.
Flavor Profile
Mildly bitter and leafy and is often used to brighten other flavors.
Background and History
Parsley is native to the Mediterranean region of Southern Europe and has suffered somewhat of a negative history in ancient times. This was mostly likely due to the fact that the seeds tended not to germinate, and it was often confused with fool’s parsley, which is a look-alike plant that is deadly. Therefore, most ancient cultures did not eat parsley as it was often associated with things like death and evil spirits.
Storage
To store parsley, wash the parsley, shake off all excess moisture, wrap in a paper towel and seal in a plastic bag. Then store it in the refrigerator where it will keep for 7 to 10 days.
Popular Uses
- Curly leaf parsley is used often as a garnish.
- Parsley is part of bouquet garni, a bundle of fresh herbs used as an ingredient in stocks, soups, and sauces.
- Persillade is a mixture of chopped garlic and chopped parsley in French cuisine.
- Parsley is the main ingredient in Italian salsa verde.
- Parsley is used to make gremolata, a traditional accompaniment to Italian veal stew, ossobuco alla milanese.
- In England, parsley sauce is a roux-based sauce, commonly served over fish or gammon.
- In Brazil, freshly chopped parsley and chopped scallion are the main ingredients in the herb seasoning called cheiro-verde.