Parsley is the most common herb found in American markets. There are two main types of parsley, flat-leaf parsley (also called Italian parsley) and curly parsley. 

 

What is Parsley

Parsley (also known as Petroselinum crispum) is a deep green leafy herb that originated in the Mediterranean. 

Types of Parsley

There are four types of parsley

  • Flat leaf parsley 
  • Curly Parsley 
  • Parsley Root (Hamburg parsley) 
  • Japanese Parsley 

What Does Parsley Taste Like?

Parsley is vibrant green in color and has a fresh, slightly peppery flavor. It’s frequently used in Mediterranean dishes.

Choosing the Best Parsley

When shopping for fresh parsley, look for bright fresh perky leaves that are dry (without any wilted, slimy or dark soggy leaves hidden in the bunch). If you hold a parsley bunch to your nose at the market, it should have a light fresh scent to it.

How Do You Store Parsley?

If you toss your parsley in the refrigerator just in the grocery store produce bag, it will often wilt within just a couple of days. Here’s two easy methods for you to use to keep your parsley fresh and perky for a week or longer.

If the parsley still has their root ends on, then you can store them in a mason jar filled about 1/3 with with water. Then place a plastic bag over the leaves to keep moisture in. Or you can wrap the parsley roots in a damp paper towel and then place the parsley a plastic bag, leaving the bag open at one end for the air to circulate. When using either of these methods, be sure to store the parsley in the refrigerator to keep it the freshest for the longest.

Mason Jar Method

  • Trim parsley stems. Trim 1/4 inch off the bottoms of the parsley stems. Like trimming flowers before placing them in water so they’ll stay fresh longer, we do the same with fresh parsley.
  • Add water to mason jar.Add water to a mason jar with about 1/3 water. Set the parsley stem-side down in the water. About 1-2 inches of the stems should be submerged in the water.
  • Cover parsley with plastic bag. Cover the parsley with a loose fitting plastic bag. The kind you get in the produce section at the market will work just fine.
  • Refrigerate. Place the mason jar in the refrigerator. Replace the water with fresh tap water when the water starts to look a little cloudy. 

How Long Will Fresh Parsley Last?

Depending on how fresh the parsley is when you bring it home from the store, as long as you trasnfer the parsley from the store plastic produce bag to either a  mason jar filled with some water or wrapped in a damp paper towel and placed in a plastic bag, the parsley should last up to a week.

How Do You Wash Parsley?

To prep fresh parsley for consumption, begin by washing the parsley thoroughly by dunking it in a bowl of water and swishing it around. Although store-bought parsley may be pre-washed, herbs you buy from the farmer’s market or pick from the garden will typically need a thorough rinse to remove any dirt or debris. Once the parsley is clean, shake off any excess water and pat the herbs dry with a paper towel.

How Do You Use Fresh Parsley?

Fresh parsley can be added to garnish a dish or to add flavor while cooking a dish. Dried parsley can be added throughout the cooking process, added to marinades, sauces and dressings (like this Ranch Dressing).

    • Garnish – To add parsley as a garnish, just chop and add it at the end of cooking your or sprinkle chopped parsley over the food (like this Chicken Piccata) when you’re ready to plate your meal.
    • Main Ingredient – There are some recipes where parsley is the main ingredient to the dish, such as chimichurri sauce and tabbouleh.
    • Flavor Enhancer – Parsley is a common ingredient in a bouquet garni. Bouquet garni is a traditional mix of fresh herbs tied together and dropped in soups and stews to add a depth of flavor to dishes.

Parsley Recipes

The possibilities are endless for using this fresh herb. Here are some of my favorite recipes that makes good use of fresh parsley.

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