Parsley Facts
A Short List of Parsley Facts You Might Like to Know
• You know parsley mainly as a garnish, and that's why you probably don't even know that it is also a delicious spice. It has a rich taste and is very nutritious. Most of us just set it aside and eat what was under it.
• Parsley, facts state, is the world's favorite herb. The name comes from a Greek word that means rock celery; parsley is, in fact, related to celery. Once you plant it in your garden, it will return every year, so it's a good plant to include in your herb and vegetable garden.
• Apparently, scientists aren't sure exactly where parsley originated. Some pin it down to Sardinia, but there are few facts to back this up. The ancient Romans loved parsley, facts say, and parsley was used in England as early as the sixteenth century.
• Two tablespoons of parsley have only two calories, and almost 154% of your RDA of Vitamin K. Parsley, facts state, also contains Vitamins C and A, folate and iron.
• Parsley contains oils that have inhibited the formation of tumors in animal research, especially in the lungs. Parsley's oils are very active, and it is a food that can help counter the effects of certain carcinogens including those in cigarette smoke.
• Parsley, facts confirm, also contains flavonoids that serve as excellent antioxidants. They react with oxygen radicals and help prevent cell damage. Parsley extracts have been included in studies on animals, and they give the blood a higher antioxidant capacity.
• Parsley is a great source of Vitamins A and C, which are important nutrients in the prevention of disease. The vitamin C in parsley, facts state, is an effective antioxidant, which makes free radicals harmless. Fewer free radicals means less risk of disease, including asthma, diabetes, colon cancer and atherosclerosis. Vitamin C in parsley also helps ward off colds and ear infections.
• Parsley is an important source of beta-carotene, which can help lower your risk for diseases like diabetes, atherosclerosis and colon cancer. Beta-carotene has also been shown to help reduce swelling, so it can make rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and asthma less serious.
• When picking parsley from your neighborhood grocery, select fresh over dried whenever you can. Fresh parsley has more flavor. Look for parsley that is a deep color, and looks crisp and fresh. Avoid yellowed or wilted leaves.
• How can you add parsley to your diet? Here are a few ways:
• When you make pesto sauce, add parsley – this will add more texture.
• Combine garlic, chopped parsley and lemon zest and use it as a meat rub for beef, lamb or chicken.
• Add chopped parsley to green onions, bulgur wheat, lemon juice, mint leaves and olive oil to make a western version of the Middle Eastern dish, tabouli. Parsley isn't just a garnish anymore.