So my parsley plants are just about ripe now, and I will soon go about harvesting them. Parsley, you see, is more than just a garnish to go atop meat dishes. Parsley is both a culinary herb and vegetable. “What!?” you exclaim. I’ll explain it. Parsley is known to impart a somewhat spicy, savory taste to certain foods, but it also possesses an edible root, not unlike its relative, the carrot.
Parsley roots are not as large as carrot roots, but they make an excellent addition to soups, salads, casseroles, and stir-fries. The flavor of parsley root is somewhere between a carrot and celery. It’s a bit hard to describe, but if you like either of those vegetables, you will enjoy parsley roots. Some seed companies will try to sell you “rooted parsley” but don’t be fooled; all parsley is rooted. Some parsley plants have larger roots than others, but this depends as much on your soil type as it does on the variety. Sure, you can buy rooted parsley and it won’t hurt anything, but don’t think you’re getting anything unique. Also, it’s my opinion that curly-leaf parsley is a waste of time; they have virtually no flavor, and the texture is unappealing. They’re really only bred for decoration. Flatleaf is the way to go. Parsley leaves can be preserved by drying and freezing (though I’ve found drying is generally better) and the roots can be easily frozen. According to Healthline, parsley has a number of health benefits. It is rich in antioxidants, promotes bone health, and has anti-cancer and anti-bacterial properties. Probably something you should consider adding to your diet. In general, parsley is easy to grow. The plants prefer full sun and will grow in poor soil. They are not susceptible to many pests; rabbits and deer will sometimes eat them, but I’ve only had that happen a few times. Plant them with marigolds and you probably won’t have to worry about it. Insects tend to leave parsley alone. In general, I’d recommend parsley to any gardener, regardless of experience level.
1 Comment
|
AuthorI'm Ian Wilson, a slightly eccentric amateur horticulturist bumbling his way through the garden. Archives
October 2021
Categories
|
Photos used under Creative Commons from PAUL (Van de Velde) -Fotografie, NSPaul, Acabashi, amandabhslater, Free Public Domain Illustrations by rawpixel, WILLPOWER STUDIOS, krossbow, Monkeystyle3000, TwinPeaks99, ungard, RifcaPeters, Sustainable Economies Law Center, daryl_mitchell, wuestenigel