Parsley, Flat or Italian
Scientific Name: Petroselinum crispum
Native To: Southern Europe and the Mediterranean
Basic History: Parsley is a popular herb in American, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cooking. It comes in two varieties—flat leaf (Italian) or curly leaf.
Culinary Uses: Due to its mild flavor, parsley is often used as a garnish. Parsley can also be used as a breath freshener.
Flavor and Taste: Parsley is mild and grassy with subtle peppery overtones and a grassy, lemony scent.
Nutritional Notes: Parsley is a “chemoprotective” food and can help neutralize certain carcinogens. It is rich in vitamin C, and contains vitamins A and B, and calcium and iron. It’s no wonder that parsley is credited with helping cure ailments of the kidney and liver, indigestion, asthma, and jaundice.