Description: Parsley, or garden parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is a species of flowering plant in the family Apiaceae that is native to the central and eastern Mediterranean region (Sardinia, Lebanon, Israel, Cyprus, Turkey, southern Italy, Greece, Portugal, Spain, Malta, Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia), but has been naturalized elsewhere in Europe, and is widely cultivated as an herb, and a vegetable. Parsley is widely used in European, Middle Eastern, and American cuisine. Curly leaf parsley is often used as a garnish. In central Europe, eastern Europe, and southern Europe, as well as in western Asia, many dishes are served with fresh green chopped parsley sprinkled on top. Flat leaf parsley is similar, but it is easier to cultivate, some say it has a stronger flavor. Root parsley is very common in central, eastern, and southern European cuisines, where it is used as a snack or a vegetable in many soups, stews, and casseroles. It is believed to have been originally grown in Sardinia (Mediterranean area) and was cultivated in around the 3rd century BC. Linnaeus stated its wild habitat to be Sardinia, whence it was brought to England and apparently first cultivated in Britain in 1548.
Health benefits
- May Improve Blood Sugar
Aside from diabetes, elevated blood sugar levels can occur due to an unhealthy diet or a lack of exercise. Elevated blood sugar levels can increase your risk of health complications, such as insulin resistance, diabetes, heart disease, and metabolic syndrome — a cluster of symptoms including high cholesterol and high blood sugar. Animal studies suggest that antioxidants in parsley may effectively reduce high blood sugar levels. Along with eating a balanced diet, adding parsley to your cooking may help support healthy blood sugar levels.
- Can Benefit Heart Health
Heart conditions like heart attacks and strokes are the leading cause of death worldwide. An unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, smoking, and high alcohol intake can all contribute to heart disease. Parsley contains many plant compounds, including carotenoid antioxidants, which have been found to benefit heart health by reducing heart disease risk factors. For instance, carotenoid-rich diets have been shown to improve heart disease risk factors like chronic inflammation, as well as elevated blood pressure and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. Parsley also contains vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that may benefit your heart health.
- May Aid Kidney Health
Parsley has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties due to its antioxidants, including flavonoids, carotenoids, and vitamin C. Additionally, parsley may help keep your kidneys healthy by reducing high blood pressure, a major risk factor for kidney disease. Parsley is high in nitrates that help dilate blood vessels, which improves blood flow and lowers high blood pressure. Research indicates that nitrate-rich foods like parsley can help maintain healthy blood pressure levels. The anti-inflammatory properties of parsley, along with its ability to regulate urinary pH and reduce blood pressure, may help keep your kidneys healthy and lower your risk of kidney stones.
- Antibacterial properties
Parsley contains essential oils, including apiol and myristicin, which have antibacterial effects and fight potentially harmful bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus.
- May benefit bone health
Parsley is rich in vitamin K, potassium, magnesium, and calcium — all of which are essential to bone health.
- May boost immunity.
Research shows that apigenin — an antioxidant in parsley — regulates immune function by reducing inflammation and preventing cellular damage.
- May enhance liver health
Studies in rats with diabetes found that parsley extract may prevent liver damage, enhance liver function, and boost antioxidant levels
Locations of Harvest
Time period of harvest
Harvest Process: Parsley grows best in moist, well-drained soil, with full sun. It grows best between 22–30 °C (72–86 °F), and usually is grown from seed. Germination is slow, taking four to six weeks, and it often is difficult because of its seed coat. Typically, plants grown for the leaf crop are spaced 10 cm apart, while those grown as a root crop are spaced 20 cm apart to allow for the root development. It takes between 70 and 90 days of growth before the plants are ready for parsley harvesting. The plants should have ample foliage. In some regions, seeds can be planted in the fall for early spring parsley harvesting and again in late winter for early summer harvest.
Dehydration process: A dehydrator is an electrical machine that removes the moisture content of Basil. It is comprised of trays, heating elements, vents, and a fan for circulation. The dehydrator’s heating element raises the temperature inside the machine, the fan evenly circulates the heat and removes the moisture, while the trays hold the Parsley which is to be dehydrated.