Parsley

History

Parsley is a member of the Apiaceae family, and today it is used as a spice. However, 2,000 years ago in southern Europe parsley was used as medicine. Historians cannot pinpoint an exact date when parsley began to be consumed, but the popularity of parsley rose during the Middle Ages.

Today

The highly nutritious parsley is the world’s most popular herb, and very common in Middle Eastern, European, and American cooking. Its popular role is a table garnish, but it provides a zest to a variety of dishes. Also, parsley is valued as a breath-freshener, due to its high concentration of chlorophyll.

Contents

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Ripeness

Whenever possible, choose fresh parsley over the dried form of the herb since it is superior in flavor. Choose fresh parsley that is deep green in color and looks fresh and crisp. Avoid bunches that have leaves that are wilted or yellow as this indicates that they are either overmature or damaged. Just like with other dried herbs, if you choose to purchase dried parsley flakes, try to select organically grown parsley since this will give you more assurance that the herbs have not been irradiated.

Storage

Fresh parsley should be kept in the refrigerator in a plastic bag. If the parsley is slightly wilted, either sprinkle it lightly with some water or wash it without completely drying it before storing in the refrigerator.