Parsley Herb History

Parsley Herb is native to the Mediterranean region of Southern Europe and has been cultivated for more than 2,000 years. Some historians credit Charles the Great, the Holy Roman Emperor, for making this herb so popular because he had it gown all over his property.

According to legend, the plant first sprouted in the blood of Archemorus. This myth caused the ancient Greeks to hold that parsley was sacred and also evil. Warriors fed parsley leaves to their horses to give them strength. The Greeks placed it on winning athletes and also on the tombs of the dead. For example, it was once believed that this herb was evil and if you are in love, you should never cut parsley, or it would cut and ruin your love.

Parsley Uses

Parsley can be used as a dried spice or fresh herb. Dried flakes are usually added to hot dishes like soup and pasta, while the fresh herb is a great addition to salads and dressings.

Is Parsley An herb

Parsley is a hardy, biennial that is grown and treated like an annual. It is the most widely grown herb for both garnish and flavoring. There are two distinct types of parsley: moss-curled and flat-leaf. Moss-curled forms a rosette of leaves that are finely cut and tightly curled.

Is Parsley A Vegetable

Parsley or garden parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is a species of flowering plant in the family Apiaceae that is native to the central and eastern Mediterranean region

Growing Parsley

Direct sow outdoors in early spring, or once the soil has warmed up, ideally around 70°F. As parsley is slow to germinate, often taking up to four weeks, soaking the seeds for 24 hours in lukewarm water will help to hasten sprouting. Click Here to learn more.

Preserving And Storing Parsley

Place parsley on a baking sheet, careful not to overlap any of the leaves. You will be drying the entire parsley stem and leaf, I find this method less time consuming than removing individual leaves. Put in the oven for 20 minutes, checking it reguarly to make sure it does not burn. After 20 minutes, check the leaves to see if they are dry and crumble easily. If they are not dried yet, add 5 minutes. Check again. Repeat until leaves are completely dry. Remove from oven. Click here to learn more

Parsley Nutrition

Parsley is a low-calorie, nutrient-dense herb. It’s particularly rich in vitamins K, A, and C. Parsley contains many powerful antioxidants, which may help prevent cell damage and lower your risk of certain diseases. It is rich in vitamin K, which is an essential nutrient for optimal bone health. Parsley contains various antioxidants — like flavonoids and vitamin C — that may provide cancer-fighting benefits. Parsley contains lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta carotene, plant compounds that protect eye health and may reduce your risk of certain age-related eye conditions like AMD.

Other Herb Varieties Worth Checking Out

 Thyme

 Dill