Flat-leaf parsley (or Italian parsley)
Food, Plant source foods, Plants (Plantae), Flowering plats (angiospermae), Mesangiosperms, Eudicots, Core eudicots, Superastierds, Asterids, Campanulids (Euasterids II), Apiales, Apiaceae, Petroselinum, Parsley
Species name: Petroselinum crispum
Table of Contents
Consumption area(s): Earth
Note: For better understanding, please read the article on flowering plants (angiospermae) first. If you come across unfamiliar words, you can click on any highlighted term to open the glossary with definitions of key botanical terms.
Introduction
Flat-leaf parsley is favored by many gardeners for its ease of cultivation, as it tolerates both rain and sun, making it suitable for a variety of growing conditions. It is also said to have a more robust flavor compared to curly parsley, although this claim is not universally accepted. Many chefs and cooking enthusiasts prefer it for its distinctive taste, which makes it a versatile ingredient in a wide range of dishes.
Description of the plant
It is commonly used to garnish and flavor a wide variety of dishes, including boiled or mashed potatoes, rice (especially risottos and pilafs), fish, fried chicken, lamb, goose, and steaks. It also plays a key role in many stews and meat or vegetable dishes, such as goulash and chicken paprikash, where its aromatic profile enhances the overall flavor.
In many parts of Europe as well as in Western Asia, it is customary to sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over dishes just before serving, adding a touch of freshness. In Italy, parsley is an essential component of salsa verde, a condiment combining parsley, capers, anchovies, garlic, and sometimes bread soaked in vinegar, typically served with meat and fish dishes such as bollito misto. Another classic Italian preparation is gremolata, a mixture of parsley, garlic, and lemon zest, traditionally paired with dishes like ossobuco alla milanese.
Nutritional facts table of the leaves and stalks
| Nutrients | Per 100 g |
| Calories (kcal) | 36 |
| Total fat (g) | 0.8 |
| ———Saturated fat (g) | 0.1 |
| Cholesterol (mg) | 0 |
| Sodium (mg) | 56 |
| Total carbohydrates (g) | 6.3 |
| ———Dietary fiber (g) | 3.3 |
| ———Total sugar (g) | 0.9 |
| Protein (g) | 3 |
Recipes that use this product as an ingredient:
Source(s):
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parsley
Photo(s):
1. Photo by David J. Stang, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons