When I say parsley, you probably immediately think “garnish”. But this green leafy herb is so much more. It is a common ingredient in French, Spanish, Caribbean, Italian and Middle Eastern cuisines. Parsley is a great addition to sauces, salads, and other dishes that could use a mild peppery, herbal flavor.  This post is all about parsley.

What is Parsley?

There are many varieties of parsley, the most common being flat-leaf (Italian), and curly.  Parsley can be found year-round in the grocery store.  Parsley is a source of vitamin C, calcium, iron and fiber. Chewing raw parsley is a popular folk remedy for bad breath though there have been no human studies to back this claim. Parsley is often confused for cilantro. They look similar but the flavors are very different so be careful and make sure you have the right herb for your dish.

Parsley In Cooking

One of the greatest things about parsley is that it can be found almost anywhere. Fresh parsley is the perfect last-minute addition to a dish, providing additional texture or a pop of color. Fresh is always best, but dried will do in a pinch. With its fresh taste, parsley can be used to season anything from soups to sauces to vegetables or meats. In Middle Eastern cuisine, parsley is one of the main ingredients in dishes such as tabbouleh (tabouli). In preparation, remove the leaves from the stems, chop, and add them to your dish.

Fresh parsley will last about two weeks when kept in the refrigerator. For refrigeration, sprinkle the leaves with a little bit of water and store in a plastic bag,  Dried parsley is another option and will retain its flavor in an airtight container for about a year.  Parsley can also be frozen.  To freeze, chop and store in freezer bags or chop and mix with a little water, and freeze in ice cube trays. Transfer to plastic bags when set.  Frozen parsley will keep for around 6 months.

Recipe Ideas

This Parsley Almond and Lemon Pesto is a great alternative when you can’t find fresh basil. In Middle Eastern cuisine, you can never go wrong with parsley, try this Tabouli Salad. Parsley is great for experimenting in the kitchen. Green beans are coming into season and I’m looking forward to trying this Lentil Bean and Parsley Salad for dinner this weekend.  And with warmer weather on the horizon, grill season is right around the corner.  Foil packs are a great way to cook a full meal.  With its flavor, color, and texture, parsley is the perfect addition to many recipes and more than just a garnish.