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A brief guide to parsley including health benefits and ideas for cooking.
Although parsley is probably the most widely used herb in cooking, many people still underestimate its true nutritional and culinary worth, by only adding a miserly sprig to cooked meals as a garnish adorning the top.
As well as offering a deliciously fresh and herby twist to certain foods, parsley is highly nutritious and research has proven that it is even beneficial to our health.
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Types of parsley
There are two main variations of parsley that are used in cooking. The curly-leaf type has a milder flavour and is mainly used as a garnish to salads, soups or various meals.
The other form of parsley is the flat-leaf or Italian variety, which is much more flavoursome. For this reason it is often used in cooking, as it can withstand the cooking process whilst still retaining its flavour.
The other form of parsley is the flat-leaf or Italian variety, which is much more flavoursome. For this reason it is often used in cooking, as it can withstand the cooking process whilst still retaining its flavour.
Full of vitamins
It is hard to believe that a tiny green herb such as parsley is rich in so many vitamins and minerals, but it is true. Parsley is an excellent source of Vitamin A, several B Vitamins and Vitamin K and it also contains more Vitamin C that most citrus fruits.
It boosts the immune system and can prevent against many infections, colds and other diseases. Vitamin C is known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. Therefore parsley can be useful in preventing and easing conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and certain cancers.
It boosts the immune system and can prevent against many infections, colds and other diseases. Vitamin C is known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. Therefore parsley can be useful in preventing and easing conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and certain cancers.
And minerals
Not only that but parsley also contains a whole host of minerals too, including iron, calcium, potassium, copper, magnesium, manganese and iodine.
Health benefits of parsley
There is no end to what parsley can do to help your body internally and externally. Below are just some of the things that parsley can be used for in order to combat illness and other ailments:
- Parsley is an excellent breath freshener, eliminating strong mouth odours such as garlic or onion.
- It cleanses and strengthens the kidney and can even help break up kidney stones.
- Helps with bladder or urinary tract infections.
- Parsley aids digestion and promotes a faster elimination of waste materials from the body.
- It acts as an anti-inflammatory, reducing joint pain and stiffness.
- It boosts the immune system and protects against colds and infections.
- It can help to protect the body against heart disease and cardiovascular disease.
- Parsley can help with water retention, bloating, indigestion and flatulence.
- It has been said to promote delayed menstruation and ease PMT.
- Parsley aids the digestion of proteins and fats.
- It is helpful in pregnancy and fertility.
- The calcium and fluorine that is present in parsley can strengthen bones and teeth.
Buying and storing parsley
Parsley can be grown all year round either indoors or outdoors. You can also buy fresh and dried parsley from your local supermarket. Try to always choose fresh parsley over dried parsley, as fresh parsley is much more flavoursome.
Fresh parsley should be stored in the fridge in a plastic bag for no longer than a week, after which it will begin to wilt and go off.
If you want to dry fresh parsley leaves, you should remove the leaves from the stems, place the leaves flat on a clean surface away from direct sunlight and allow them to dry naturally. Once the leaves have dried thoroughly, they can be stored in an airtight container or jar.
Fresh parsley should be stored in the fridge in a plastic bag for no longer than a week, after which it will begin to wilt and go off.
If you want to dry fresh parsley leaves, you should remove the leaves from the stems, place the leaves flat on a clean surface away from direct sunlight and allow them to dry naturally. Once the leaves have dried thoroughly, they can be stored in an airtight container or jar.
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Parsley Recipes
Three recipes from all over the world giving ideas on how to cook with parsley including the French classic dish, Pommes Persillade (potatoes with parsley and garlic), the Lebanese dish Tabbouleh and British parsley fish cakes.
Parsley goes well with all kinds of fish, especially when added to mashed potato and made into delicious fish cakes.
A persillade is a mixture of finely chopped parsley and garlic, which may be added to a dish at the beginning or end of the cooking process. It is often partnered with lamb....
A tasty dish made from bulgur wheat, which is flavoured with refreshing and tangy herbs such as mint and parsley, as well as lemon juice, olive oil and spring onions.
