Italian Parsley and Curly Parsley

Parsley is probably the most commonly used herb in the world.  The flavor of parsley is mild but it brings out the full taste of other foods and add color and vitamins.  Parsley comes in two basic kinds, a flat or Italian type and a curly type.  Many people feel that the flat leaf has a stronger flavor but both are beautiful and delicious.  Parsley is also known for its ability to correct bad breath which is why it was always used as a plate garnish. 

Parsley will grow over a long season, it is biennial which means that it flowers in its second year.  Parsley should be started in early spring or early fall when temperatures are cooler, it doesn't like hot summer weather and should be put where afternoons are shaded.  In some areas it grows very well through the winter and into the following spring where it will continue until summer heat encourages it to bolt to flower.  *Note-always make sure that you plant parsley so that the center growing point is not covered with soil.  This will rot the plant very quickly.  Keep the soil moist but not soaking wet.

To harvest Parsley, remove the older branches all the way down to the base of the plant leaving the young leaves to grow into larger branches.  The leaves can be chopped and used fresh or frozen to keep their fresh flavor. 

To use Parsley in cooking, you can literally use it almost anywhere except in desserts.  Combine it with other herbs in cheeses, eggs, meat marinades, casseroles, and soups.