Parsley

Parsley  is mostly used as garnish, this herb is rich in aroma as well as nutrition.  It is the most popular herb of the world and seeks its name from Greek word connoting rock celery. The leaves of this aromatic herb are dark green in color and are joined with thick short stems. Curly or moss curled and Italian flat leaf are the two major varieties of this herb available in the market. The moss curled type has a bitter taste and is less fragrant when compared to Italian form. The herb is used in many parsley recipes and helps in enhancing the flavor of the dish.

History and Origin of Parsley

The history of parsley and parsley recipes can be dated back to the 4^th century B.C. The Romans were very fond of this herb and used it as a garnish and flavoring agent. Romans made necklaces of the leaves of this herb in order to get rid of strong odors and to ward of evils.

Greeks did not consume this herb and considered it to have grown from the blood of Archemorous who was a Greek hero. The garlands of this herb were awarded to the winners of sports competitions in Ancient Greece.

This aromatic herb got popular in England in the 16th century and was mentioned by McMahon in 1806 as an herb grown in American gardens. It is now the most common herb at United States.

This herb was introduced to India by Greeks and was used in Ayurveda. Its root is known for its diuretic benefits in India.

Culinary Uses of Parsley

Parsley is a well-known herb and finds its place in all cuisines. Some of the major culinary uses of Parsley are

• The herb is mainly used for garnishing. Few leaves can increase the beauty of the dish while serving.
• This aromatic herb works as a wonderful flavoring agent. A good amount of this herb, when added to salads and soups make them taste amazing.
• It is used for making marinades and stuffing in many recipes.
• Dried sprigs of this herb are used in bouquet garni.
• The leaves of this herb when fried in butter can help in adding to the taste of pasta dishes.
• Deep fried chopped leaves of this herb are served as a vegetable and are one of the common parsley recipes.
• A few chopped leaves of this herb enhance the taste and freshness of many lemon based beverages.

Health Benefits of Parsley

Parsley is a wonderful herb and many health benefits are associated with it. It has been used in Greek medicine and Indian Ayurveda for thousands of years. Here are some of its health benefits:

• Acts as an effective cleanser- The herb contains good amount of ascorbic acid and thus works as an effective cleanser.
• Aids digestion- When consumed regularly, this aromatic herb boosts digestion and helps in getting rid of flatulence.
• For sweet smelling breath- The leaves when consumed with cloves help in getting rid of bad breath.
• Good source of nutrition- The herb is a rich source of vitamin A, vitamin C and beta carotene. It is also good for bones as it contains vitamin K.

Buying and Storing Parsley

While buying, fresh, green colored sprigs should be selected. The bunch with dried, yellow, wilted leaves should be avoided while buying. The herb does not need any refrigeration for storing. The stems should be placed in a pot of water and can be kept on the kitchen shelf or counter. However, the leaves should be first washed and then excess water should be dried before placing it in the fridge.

Popular Parsley Recipes

• Buttered parsley potatoes- It is one of the simplest parsley recipes which is made by assorting potatoes and herb leaves. The dish is mostly relished with breads.
• Parsley soup- Indulge in delightful and refreshing flavor of aromatic herb through this recipe, which combines onion, carrots, vegetable stock and bunch of parsley with other herbs and spices.
• Parsley pesto- A scrumptious pesto made by adding the herb with thyme and tomatoes; usually eaten with walnut pasta.
• Grilled trout with lemon- It is one of the mouthwatering parsley recipes which amazingly combines lemon juice and trout with this aromatic herb.

Trivia- Parsley

• There are 3 calories in two tablespoons of this aromatic herb.
• Two tablespoons of this medicinal herb provides the body with 153% of recommended dose of Vitamin K.
• “In need of Parsley” is said to the people who are on death bed.
• Since, the herb is a uterine stimulant; it should not be consumed much by the pregnant women.