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Basic Information: Parsley or garden parsley is a species of flowering plant in the family Apiaceae that is native to the central Mediterranean region, but has naturalized elsewhere in Europe, and is widely cultivated as a herb, a spice, and a vegetable. Where it grows as a biennial, in the first year, it forms a rosette of tripinnate leaves, 10–25 cm (3.9–9.8 in) long, with numerous 1–3 cm (0.4–1.2 in) leaflets and a taproot used as a food store over the winter. In the second year, it grows a flowering stem with sparser leaves and umbels with yellow to yellowish-green flowers.
Nutrition, Traditional Use and Research
The statements below describe nutrition facts, traditional use and published research. They are not health claims for our products.
- Parsley contains flavonoids such as luteolin, apigenin, apiin and chrysoeriol, and carotenoids such as beta-carotene, which show antioxidant activity in laboratory tests.
- Apigenin, a flavonoid found in parsley, has been investigated in laboratory studies in relation to various cell processes, including cancer cells. These are early findings from test-tube research and do not show that eating parsley prevents or treats any disease.
- Laboratory studies have examined parsley essential oil for effects on immune and inflammatory responses. These are early findings and cannot be applied to people.
- Parsley is traditionally used in folk practice for joint complaints and as a diuretic. Scientific evidence for these uses is limited.
- Parsley is a source of folate and vitamin K. Folate contributes to normal amino acid synthesis, and vitamin K contributes to the maintenance of normal bones and normal blood clotting. Parsley is also a source of vitamin C, which contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
- Parsley is traditionally used as a fresh herb to refresh the breath after meals.
Fun Facts:
- The word Parsley comes from the Greek Petros being stone as it was often found growing amongst rocks
- Ancient Greeks believed that Parsley sprung from the blood of the hero Archimedes after he slayed a dragon
- Parsley is thought to have originated in Sardinia
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parsley
https://www.naturalalternativeremedy.com/10-powerful-health-benefits-of-parsley/
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/health-benefits-of-parsley.html
https://blog.americanspice.com/fun-facts-on-parsley/