Parsley

Parsley is member of the carrot family.

In the Wild

Parsley is native to the central Mediterranean region.

Where to grow

Parsley grows best in moist, well drained soil, with full sun. Plants grown for the leafs should be spaced 4 inches apart, while those grown for the root should be spaced 8 inches apart to allow for the root to grow larger.

Parsley, like many other members of the carrot family, attracts predatory insects. Such as wasps and predatory flies to gardens, providing protection for nearby plants.

Harvesting

When harvesting parsley, stalks should be cut close to the ground, starting from the outside. This will encouraged growth throughout the growing season. If just the tops are harvested and the stalks remain, the plant will be less productive.

Found in

Parsley can be dried or frozen, but fresh has the best quality. Parsley is often used as a garnish on potato, rice, fish, fried chicken, lamb, goose, steaks, meat or even vegetable stews. A bundle of fresh herbs is used as an ingredient in stocks, soups, and sauces. Parsley is a key ingredient in several Middle Eastern salads. French cuisine has a sauce made of a mixture of chopped garlic and chopped parsley called Persillade.

Health

Parsley is high in vitamins A, B, and C. It also has become a popular herbal remedy for kidney stones, especially parsley tea.

Other ideas and information

Chewing parsley is believed to freshen bad breath but some people think this is a myth.

Some butterflies use parsley as a host plant for their larvae. The caterpillars will feed on parsley for two weeks before turning into butterflies.

Nectar-feeding insects and bees visit the flowers.

Some Birds feed on the seeds.