Surprising Uses for the Humble Parsley Plant

The humble and often unheralded parsley plant, has a surprising number of uses. Parsley is more than a simple garnish used to make your plate look colourful and appealing. There is even symbolic meaning behind the unassuming parsley plant.

Parsley is used as both an herb and as edible decoration for serving plates. Some people mistakenly believe it is not even to be eaten. It actually is not just for looking at. The mighty little garnish is rich in vitamins A and C. This simple herb, is much like the green leafy vegetables that are often part of a healthy diet. It is good for your body.

Parsley makes a wonderful addition to many dishes. Try mincing up the leaves of a whole small bunch of parsley. Add it to home made tomato sauce. Then use it on spaghetti, lasagne, or any other pasta dish using a tomato based sauce. It not only adds flavour, but adds to the thickness and texture of a homemade sauce. It is also a great way to sneak in another healthy green, for those fussy eaters in any family. Other than adding great flavour, they won't even notice they are getting greens.

The rich flavour of parsley, can easily be added to everything from cheeses to eggs, soups and meats. Parsley can also be used as a sauté mixed with other complimentary herbs or flavours like onions, garlic and basil.

You can freeze or dry parsley, but the best flavour comes from a fresh bunch. Most grocery stores with produce sections carry parsley. There are small curly leaf and the wider leaf variety available to choose from, depending on your personal preference. Try them to see which you prefer.

The parsley plant is easily grown in pots or open gardens. If you have limited space, they even grow on sunny windowsills. They like sun and regular watering. They are easy to care for.

Throughout history this fresh crisp herb has been used as many things. It is used as a symbol of spring, Parsley has been used as a crown of victory, much like the well known bay laurel leaves. It has been used as a natural breath freshener or air freshener.

Combine some fresh sprigs of basil, rosemary branches and fresh parsley in a little vase to set on a table or windowsill. Pinch a few of the leaves as you make the arrangement. Pinching and touching herbs releases the smell. The scent is wonderful. It helps freshen the air. It is a vast improvement over the commercial air fresheners, which are full of chemicals. It definitely won't hurt the environment.

Like the more picturesque flowers, herbs and spices often have symbolic meanings of their own. Individual herbs have their own language. Each one has specific symbolism. The symbolism behind parsley is that of love, protection and purification. Considering some of the benefits of parsley, this symbolism makes perfect sense.

Next time you get a garnish of parsley on your plate, don't just throw it to the side as inedible décor. Take a bite of parsley and give your body a little healthy, tasty, green treat.