While
most of us think of Parsley as a throw-away garnish we find on our restaurant
entrees, in reality this is an extremely useful herb that's packed with
nutrients, including vitamin A, more
vitamin C then an orange, several B vitamins, iron, calcium, and more.
Parsley has an easy, gentle flavor and works well in blending other flavors
together in a given dish. There are three main types, curly leaf, flat
leaf, and parsnip-rooted. Parsley is a biennial
herb, and can be used in most foods except sweets. It is used widely in different cuisines around the
world, including French and Middle Eastern dishes. The flat leaf variety
has the most flavor, the curly leaf variety is the prettiest, and the parsnip variety is used like a parsnip,
though we don't see it used very often in America.
Parsley
can be started from seed or bought already started at any garden store in the
spring. Seed starting is a slow process - it can take up to six weeks to
get the seed to germinate, so buying starts is usually the best method.
Six plants should supply a family with enough for fresh use, freezing, and
drying. Parsley prefers a rich
soil, but will survive in almost any soil type. It likes full sun, but
will also tolerate part shade. It does well in containers, but be sure to
plant it where it is going to grow permanently, as it resents
transplanting. Harvest the outer stalks regularly, and cut off any flower
stalks to keep it productive. Also keep weeds in check, as they compete
with the Parsley and weaken the plant. In warmer climates, Parsley sets
seed in its second year, and this seed can be harvested for a new crop the next
spring. If you do decide to start this plant from seed, plant in the
spring when all danger of frost has passed, or start inside 6 weeks before the
last frost.
Parsley has merit in the ornamental garden and the curly leaf type especially
makes a nice addition to cool weather plantings. Try combining with
colorful pansies or snapdragons, or use by itself as an attractive walkway
border. Parsley also makes a good companion plant in the garden (please see Companion Planting
for more information).
