Parsley

Introduction

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Petroselinum crispum

Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is a popular herb that is commonly used in culinary applications as well as traditional medicine. It is a member of the Apiaceae family and is native to the Mediterranean region. Parsley has been cultivated for thousands of years and is used in cuisines all over the world.

Varieties

There are two main varieties of parsley: curly-leaf and flat-leaf. Curly-leaf parsley (Petroselinum crispum var. crispum) has tightly curled leaves and a milder flavor, while flat-leaf parsley (Petroselinum crispum var. neapolitanum) has flat, serrated leaves and a stronger flavor. Both varieties are used in cooking and have similar health benefits.

Culinary Uses

Parsley is a versatile herb that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is often used as a garnish, but can also be incorporated into sauces, salads, soups, stews, and more. In Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines, parsley is a key ingredient in tabbouleh, a salad made with bulgur wheat, parsley, tomatoes, onions, and mint. Parsley can also be used to make pesto or as a seasoning for roasted meats and vegetables.

Health Benefits

Parsley is not only a flavorful herb, but it also has a variety of health benefits. It is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and iron. Parsley also contains antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. Some studies have suggested that parsley may have benefits for bone health, digestive health, and immune function.

Medicinal Uses

Parsley has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat a variety of ailments. It has been used as a diuretic, to treat urinary tract infections, and to alleviate menstrual cramps. Parsley has also been used as a breath freshener and to treat digestive issues such as bloating and gas.

Preparation and Storage

Fresh parsley can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. To use, rinse the parsley leaves and pat them dry. Remove the stems and finely chop the leaves. Parsley can also be dried or frozen for later use. To dry parsley, hang it upside down in a well-ventilated area until it is completely dry, then store it in an airtight container. To freeze parsley, chop the leaves and store them in an ice cube tray with water or olive oil.

Gallery

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  parsley leaves

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  Fresh parsley leaves

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  Dried parsley

See Also

• Herbs
• Basil
• Cilantro

External Links

• How to Grow Parsley
• Parsley: Health Benefits, Uses, and Risks
• Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity of Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) Extracts

• Portal:Food | Glossary of healthy eating | UK Foods | US Foods | Dietary Supplements | Nutrition values of foods
• Encyclopedia of nutrition | Calorie Finder | Nutrition Database | Glycemic Index of Foods | Protein rich foods list

External links

Nutrition lookup (USDA)