Italian Parsley ... Curly Leaf Parsley and Parsley Recipes

Parsley is the herb

Parsley must be one of, if not the, most frequently used herb in the culinary herb garden. Parsley is so versatile and can be used in so many dishes that you will need to grow parsley in great abundance to keep up with demand.

• Sadly, the use of parsley has sometimes been associated with garnishes and is invariably discarded at the edge of the plate.

• This is an unforgivable mistake as parsley has so much to offer, not only in the kitchen but also medicinally and cosmetically.

• Parsley is rich dark green in colour and the leaves are very curly and feather-like, with a pungent flavour. Another popular variety of parsley is the ‘flat leaf’ or ‘Italian’ parsley and has a slightly stronger flavour.

Growing parsley is easy and like basil, parsley is quite capable of growing indoors but it does need full sun.

History of Parsley

Parsley origins are probably in Mediterranean countries and it was the Romans that introduced parsley to Britain. Parsley was used both for culinary and ceremonial purposes.

Parsley was used to decorate burial sites and tombs as it was associated with Archemorus who was claimed to be the ‘herald of death’.

Culinary Uses for Parsley

Parsley is ideal for use in soups, cheese and egg dishes and sauces. It brings out the flavour of fish and compliments vegetables, poultry and meat.

Parsley is also ideal for use in salads and of course, a sprig of parsley will provide a decorative quality to any dish.

Parsley is one of the ingredients in a bouquet garni as it dries and freezes very well, especially the curly leaf variety.

See Parsley Recipes for more ideas ...

Cosmetic Uses for Parsley

Parsley can be used to aid the removal of dandruff, lice and will stimulate hair growth, if rubbed into the scalp. Make up a lotion of crushed parsley leaves and seeds.

An infusion of parsley applied to the skin will lighten freckles and aid in the prevention of thread veins. This infusion can also be used as an eye bath.

Medicinal Uses for Parsley

Parsley is rich in many minerals and vitamins and so has a variety of medicinal uses.

Domestic Uses for Parsley

The leaves of parsley can provide a green or yellow dye.

Harvesting and Preserving Parsley

Parsley dries very well and is therefore an ideal herb for preserving during those times when it is not available in the garden.