Parsley
Estimated Inventory, 60 ct : 15.83
This item was last sold on : 12/20/24
Description/Taste
Curly parsley is a leafy, shrublike herb that grows fairly slowly, reaching approximately 30 centimeters tall and wide, and as a biennial plant, it will produce umbels of tiny yellow flowers in its second year if allowed to mature. The plant has light green stems with thickly ruffled, dark-green triangular leaves of three leaflets that tightly curl at the divided tips. The leaves are tender and flavorful in the plant's first year but will become bitter and coarse when the plant begins to flower and seed, hence it is typically cultivated as an annual for culinary use. Curly parsley has a fresh, green, mildly grassy aroma and flavor with hints of citrus, clove, and nutmeg.
Seasons/Availability
Curly parsley is available year-round.
Current Facts
Curly parsley is botanically known as Petroselinum crispum and is in the Apiaceae or Umbelliferae family, commonly referred to as the carrot or celery family. Members of this family, which includes other herbs like dill and fennel, are often referred to as umbellifers. The common name, "parsley," comes from the Greek word "petroselinon," which translates as "rock celery" and alludes to the plant's growth habit as it thrives on rocks and walls. Curly parsley is one of the two main cultivars, the other being the flat-leafed Italian parsley. In addition to its distinct frilly edges, Curly parsley also has darker and thicker leaves than its cousin and offers a milder flavor. Curly parsley is more prevalent in some areas of Europe and the Mediterranean, perhaps due to a history of confusion between the flat-leafed variety and a poisonous lookalike weed called "fool's parsley."
Nutritional Value
Curly parsley is packed with vitamin C, iron, and the natural antiseptic, chlorophyll. It is also a good source of folate, potassium, copper, zinc, and vitamins A, B, and K. The herb offers essential oils that contain compounds like limonene, eugenol, and myristicin, which give the herb its unique aroma, as well as its antifungal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties. Parsley has a history of medicinal use, from herbal medicine in Ancient Greece to Ayurvedic medicine in India. It has traditionally been used as a treatment for urinary tract infections or kidney and bladder problems and has been touted for its ability to improve digestion, detoxify the body, or even cleanse the palate and freshen breath.
Applications
Curly parsley can be used fresh or dried, but its lacy leaves are most frequently used fresh as a garnish for a pop of green color and flavor. While the more pungent flat-leaf parsley is often preferred for cooking, the two types can be used interchangeably and are best added at the end of the cooking process. Both the stems and leaves of Curly parsley can be washed, then finely chopped and added to hearty soups and stews like chowder, or more coarsely chopped for salads or coleslaws. Curly parsley is a particularly popular herb in Middle Eastern cuisine. It is the main herb for stuffing grape leaves and is a key ingredient in the classic Lebanese salad, tabbouleh, which is made of bulgur, mint, parsley, and vegetables. Parsley stems are also used in a classic bundle of herbs alongside thyme and bay leaf, called a 'bouquet garni,' traditionally used to infuse flavor into brines, sauces, and stocks. Curly parsley can liven up rice or grilled vegetables, impart a fresh taste in butter for potatoes, corn, and garlic bread, be added to pesto or tomato sauce, or be used in marinades for meat, fish, and poultry. Curly parsley also pairs especially well with shellfish, potatoes, leeks, cucumber, tomatoes, mushrooms, peppers, squash, garlic, chili flakes, lemon, and cream. Store fresh Curly parsley in a glass of fresh water in the refrigerator, loosely covered with a plastic bag for a week or two. Dried parsley can be stored in an airtight container for up to a year. Fresh Curly parsley can also be frozen, either chopped and stored in freezer bags or chopped and mixed with water and frozen in ice cube trays for about six months.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Curly parsley has a rich cultural history dating back to ancient Greece. According to Greek mythology, parsley first grew from the blood of Archemorus, the forerunner of death, hence the herb's long association with death. Ancient Greeks used parsley in funeral rites and placed wreaths of the herb on the tombs of the dead. The Ancient Greeks even had a saying, De'eis thai selinon, "to need only parsley," which was a euphemistic expression comparable to saying "one foot in the grave." The Ancient Romans dedicated the herb to Persephone, queen of the underworld, and likewise used it in funeral ceremonies. Parsley's close ties with death followed it through history, and during the Medieval period, many superstitions surrounded the herb, including a legend that the plant grew so slowly because its seed had to travel to hell and back before it could grow. However, not all of the herb's allegories are so grim. In the Hebrew celebration of Passover, parsley is used as a rejuvenating symbol of spring and rebirth.
Geography/History
Curly parsley is native to the Mediterranean region of Southern Europe, though Carl Linnaeus believed it to be native to Southern France and the large island of Sardinia, specifically. It grows best in cooler climates where the summers don't get too hot or humid, and thrives in rich, moist soil. Parsley has been cultivated since ancient times and was used medicinally long before it was used as a seasoning. Historians believe it was during the Middle Ages that the herb began appearing in kitchens, and many credit Charlemagne, who was known to grow the herb in his gardens. By the 15th century, the use of Curly parsley had spread throughout Europe, and in the 17th century, it was brought by colonists to the United States, where it has since become naturalized. Curly parsley is one of the world's most popular herbs and can easily be found at grocery stores or farmer's markets.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Parisien Gourmandises | La Jolla CA | 858-352-6552 |
| Culinary Concepts | San Diego CA | 619-865-1918 |
| 619 Spirits | San Diego CA | 509-701-9534 |
| The Cottage Encinitas | Encinitas CA | 858-454-8409 |
| Reata Glen | Ladera Ranch CA | 949-545-2250 |
| Inn at Rancho Santa Fe (Banquet) | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-381-8289 |
| Pitchers | San Diego CA | 858-472-1251 |
| Prey Brewing Company | Vista CA | 760-822-4226 |
| Rabbit Hole | San Diego CA | 619-255-4653 |
| Le Coq | La Jolla CA | 858-427-1500 |
| Fox Point Farms (Haven) | Encinitas CA | 619-892-0553 |
| Mimoza Restaurant | San Diego CA | 619-228-9357 |
| Adobo House | San Diego CA | 619-990-8340 |
| Sabi Juice | Chula Vista CA | 619-971-8545 |
| Sheraton La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-453-5500 |
| WineSellar & Brasserie | San Diego CA | 858-450-9557 |
| Gold Finch | San Diego CA | 619-804-2051 |
| Coronado Yacht Club | Coronado CA | 619-435-1848 |
| Sheraton Carlsbad (20/20) | Carlsbad CA | 760-827-2400 |
| Chateau La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-459-4451 |
| Comedor Nishi | La Jolla CA | 619-549-9919 |
| LG Personal Chef | San Diego CA | 858-204-3464 |
| Primal Balance Nutrition LLC | Vista CA | 818-259-0995 |
| Royal Polaris Sportfishing | San Diego CA | 619-226-8030 |
| Continental Catering Inc | La Mesa CA | 907-738-9264 |
| Bayhill Tavern | San Diego CA | 858-288-6923 |
| Searcher Sportfishing | San Diego CA | 619-861-4640 |
| Brigantine La Mesa | La Mesa CA | 619-465-1935 |
| Kaluu | San Diego CA | 619-338-9655 |
| Alexander's on 30th | San Diego CA | 858-774-3062 |
| Firefly Beach | San Diego CA | 619-222-6440 |
| insideOUT | San Diego CA | 619-888-8623 |
| Sisters Pizza | San Diego CA | 858-228-6822 |
| Madison | San Diego CA | 619-822-3465 |
| The Britannia Tearooms | San Diego CA | 619-683-2748 |
| Beaumont's | San Diego CA | 858-459-0474 |
| Saiko Sushi-Coronado | Coronado CA | 619-435-0868 |
| Panama 66 | San Diego CA | 619-206-6352 |
| Barra Oliba | San Diego CA | 610-310-5110 |
| Home & Away - Old Town | San Diego CA | 619-886-1358 |
| California Center for the Arts | Escondido CA | 760-839-4107 |
| Lauberge Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-259-1515 |
| Harvest Kitchen | Vista CA | 619-709-0938 |
| The Joint | San Diego CA | 619-222-8272 |
| Cutwater Spirits | San Diego CA | 619-672-3848 |
| Toast Catering | San Diego CA | 619-795-9135 |
| The Country Club Of Rancho Bernardo | San Diego CA | 858-487-1134 |
| Shootz Fish X Beer (Carlsbad) | Carlsbad CA | 760-450-8070 |
| Village Pizzaria | Coronado CA | 619-522-6890 |
| Sbicca Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 619-417-2587 |
| UCSD La Jolla (Pritikin Intensive) | San Diego CA | 858-657-6473 |
| Mission Pacific | Oceanside CA | 760-450-7864 |
| Pacific Regent La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-597-8008 |
| Claytons Bakery & Bistro | Coronado CA | 619-435-5425 |
| The Kitchen at Torrey View | San Diego CA | 702-489-2129 |
| L Orangerie | Coronado CA | 619-571-3367 |
| Pokewan (Del Mar) | San Diego CA | 858-847-2881 |
| Cocina de Barrio Encinitas | Encinitas CA | 760-840-1129 |
| Fox Point Farms | Encinitas CA | 619-892-0553 |
| Espadin | Temecula California | 951-383-5585 |
| Bang on 5th | San Diego CA | 619-677-5650 |
| Snooze - La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-483-5556 |
| The Cottage Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-775-1197 |
| Third Corner Ocean Beach | San Diego CA | 619-223-2700 |
| Thai One On | Carlsbad CA | 760-500-8674 |
| Ridgeview Health Center | San Diego CA | 858-293-3950 |
| Boujiemana | San Diego CA | 415-710-0510 |
| Picada Latin Cuisine | Bonita CA | 619-370-9746 |
| Louisiana Purchase | San Diego CA | 619-255-8278 |
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| Jujus Kitchen | Bonita CA | 619-471-5342 |
| Boujiemana (TCW) | San Diego CA | 415-710-0510 |
| Edgewater Grill | San Diego CA | 619-232-7581 |
| Village Pizzeria Bay Side | Coronado CA | 619-522-6890 |
| Golden Door Bakery | San Marcos CA | 760-761-4142 |
| Therapie | San Diego CA | 858-201-7551 |
| Bar Same Same (Bar) | Carlsbad CA | 760-470-9143 |
| Rustic Root | San Diego CA | 619-232-1747 |
| Flying Pig Pub & Kitchen | Oceanside CA | 619-990-0158 |
| Pamplemousse Grill | Solana Beach CA | 858-792-9090 |
| Barrel & Board | San Diego CA | 619-902-4646 |
| Zel's Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-755-0076 |
| The Harvest Honey | San Marcos CA | 616-914-0124 |
| Peace Pies | San Diego CA | 619-618-6960 |
| Milton's Delicatessen, Grill & Bakery | Del Mar CA | 858-792-2225 |
| Azuki Sushi Lounge | San Diego CA | 619-238-4760 |
| Bread & Cie Café | San Diego CA | 619-683-9322 |
| Surf Side Cuisine | San Diego CA | 619-507-0891 |
| Maderas Golf Club | Poway CA | 858-451-8100 |
| Hilton Mission Valley | San Diego CA | 619-543-9000 |
| Nobu | San Diego CA | 619-814-4124 |
| La Clochette Du Coin-Pacific Beach | San Diego CA | 619-402-7911 |
| The Monsaraz | San Diego CA | 858-760-6228 |
| La Valle Coastal Club | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-759-5473 |
| Portside Pier (Ketch Tasting Deck) | San Diego CA | 858-268-1030 |
| Fresh Sushi Catering | Carlsbad CA | 858-344-7098 |
| Olive Tree Marketplace | San Diego CA | 619-224-0443 |
| Carnitas Snack Shack Harbor Dr. | San Diego CA | 619-295-3173 |
| Peace Pies (Encinitas) | Encinitas CA | 619-618-6960 |
| Park Hyatt Aviara | Carlsbad CA | 760-448-1234 |
| Harley Gray Kitchen and Bar | San Diego CA | 619-840-7000 |
| Sugar and Scribe | La Jolla CA | 858-274-1733 |
| Cross Roots | San Diego CA | 858-245-1678 |
| Sycuan Casino | El Cajon CA | 619-445-6002 |
| Red Tail Catering | San Marcos CA | 858-605-8219 |
| The Flavor Chef (Catering) | Vista CA | 619-295-3172 |
| Webbcreationfood LLC | San Diego CA | 619-829-9194 |
| The Guild Hotel | San Diego CA | 619-764-5108 |
| Cardellino | San Diego CA | 619-722-3398 |
| Glenbrook Health Center | Carlsbad CA | 760-704-1000 |
| Crown Point Catering | San Diego CA | 619-223-1211 |
| Brigantine Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-481-1166 |
| Harvest Kitchen (Corp Lunch) | San Marcos CA | 619-709-0938 |
| Rubicon Deli India Street | San Diego CA | 619-200-4201 |
| The Crossings | Carlsbad CA | 760-444-1800 |
| Sandbar Sports Grill | San Diego CA | 858-488-1274 |
| Aztec Shop Catering | San Diego CA | 619 594-3576 |
| Blue Ocean | Carlsbad CA | 760-434-4959 |
| Love Boat Sushi-Oceanside | Oceanside CA | 760-721-3737 |
| Hotel Indigo | San Diego CA | 619-295-3172 |
| Q&A Oyster Bar & Restaurant | Oceanside CA | 858-245-3780 |
| Le Papagayo (Encinitas) | Encinitas CA | 760-944-8252 |
| Blue Ocean La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-999-0323 |
| Marriott Courtyard Nolen | San Diego CA | 619-544-1004 |
| UCSD Health East campus | San Diego CA | 619-578-3373 |
| DoubleTree By Hilton San Diego | San Diego CA | 619-881-6900 |
| The Loma Club | San Diego CA | 619-222-4653 |
| The Butchery | San Diego CA | 858-345-1524 |
| Urban Kitchen Catering | San Diego CA | 619-276-8803 |
| Harumama Noodles & Buns (Carlsbad) | Carlsbad CA | 760-637-5737 |
| Farm Fresh Meals | Vista CA | 760-707-2383 |
| Ruth's Chris Steak House DT | San Diego CA | 619-233-1422 |
| Valentina | Encinitas CA | 207-522-1937 |
| Bishop School | San Diego CA | 858-459-4021 |
| Counterpoint | San Diego CA | 619-564-6722 |
| Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines | La Jolla CA | 858-450-4581 |
| My Chef | San Diego CA | 916-217-0049 |
| Moxy San Diego Gaslamp | San Diego CA | 619-376-1850 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Parsley. One
is easiest, three is harder.
