Parsley

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General Description/History

  • A herb related to carrot, parsnips and dill

English Parsley

  • Leafy stems up to 20cm in height
  • Dark green, fine stems
  • Refreshing flavour and aroma
  • Leaves are dark green with curled edges

Italian or Continental Parsley

  • Flat, cut, dark green leaves
  • With strong, coarser flavour
  • Edible succulent stems
  • Grows up to 60cm in height

Add raw to salads. Finely chop and sprinkle over egg dishes, vegetable soups, fish and potato. Add to mayonnaise and other sauces. When cooked, parsley enhances other flavours. Be sure to add at the end of the cooking time.

Parsley is biennial; first year plants produce finer and more tender leaves than plants in their second year which are preparing to flower and seed. Parsley grows in well worked, moisture retaining soil under a variety of conditions. The flowering stems are pruned to lengthen the life of the plant.

Parsley is native to southern Europe. Held in the highest esteem by the Greeks, parsley was used to crown victors at the Isthmian Games and to decorate tombs, as it was linked with Archemorus, the herald of death. Although the Greeks use parsley medicinally, and the warriors used it for feed for their horses, it appears that Romans were the first to use it as a food. They consumed parsley in quantity and made garlands for banquet guests to discourage intoxication and to counter strong odours.

Nutritional Value

Parsley is a rich source of vitamins A, B and C. A good source of iron, calcium, magnesium and chlorophyll.

Storage/Handling

0°C and 90 – 100% relative humidity. Keep covered and away from refrigeration fans.

Consumer Storage: Store in an airtight plastic bag in the refrigerator crisper.

Season: 

Botanical Name: Petroselinum crispum (Umbelliferae)

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Availablity: 

Growing Areas: 

QLD – Atherton, Brisbane Outer Suburbs, Bundaberg, Stanthorpe, Toowoomba
NSW – North Coast
VIC – Melbourne Metropolitan Area, Werribee
SA – Adelaide Hills, Adelaide Plains
WA – Perth Metropolitan Outer Areas
NT – Katherine