Produce Briefs...
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime, scientific name, X Citrofortunella mitis & Citrus microcarpa, is also known as the lime orange, Chinese orange or Calamondin orange.
Salanova® Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
Pinkglow™ Pineapple
Pinkglow™ pineapples are small to medium fruits with an oval to cylindrical shape.
Description/Taste
Parsley is a leafy herb that grows like a small shrub, up to roughly one foot in height. It has light green stems with multiple pairs of closely ruffled leaves growing at the ends. The curly variety is more fragile than the common flat-leafed variety, making it easy to shred or finely chop the herb for culinary applications. Parsley has a fresh, green aroma and flavor that is a combination of citrus, clove, and nutmeg, creating a unique taste. Parsley will flower in its second year, with circular clusters of white flowers sitting atop thin stems.
Seasons/Availability
Parsley is available year-round.
Current Facts
Parsley, or Curly parsley, is a commonly known herb, most often associated with being a garnish. Botanically it is known as Petroselinum crispum, though sometimes it is referred to by its original scientific classification Apium petroselinum or even Carum petroselinum. Parsley is in the carrot family, and is a biennial, meaning it flowers during its second year of life. Typically, Parsley is cultivated as an annual and harvested for not just the leaves and stems, but also for the root which has a stronger flavor as well as medicinal properties.
Nutritional Value
Despite often being relegated to garnish status, Parsley is nutrient-rich and contains minerals that are beneficial for good health. Parsley contains vitamins A, B, C and K, along with minerals potassium, iron, and copper. It is also a good source of folate. The herb contains volatile (or essential) oils that contain compounds such as limonene, eugenol, and myristicin, which give the herb its unique aroma as well as antifungal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. It also contains flavonoids like apigenin and luteolin, which boost the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits of Parsley. Parsley is used as a digestive aid and pallet cleanser.
Applications
Parsley has been used for culinary applications for centuries. Parsley stems are traditionally used in a ‘bouquet garni,’ a bundle of herbs classically used to infuse flavor into brines, sauces, soups and stocks. The leaves are typically reserved for garnish. Both the stems and the leaves can be chopped and added to soups and stews at the end of the cooking process, to impart a fresh green flavor. Add freshly chopped Parsley to potato salads and coleslaws, green salads and grains. Parsley adds a fresh flavor to tomato sauces, salad dressings and herbed marinades for meats, fish or chicken. Parsley will lighten the intensity of garlic or the overpowering aromas of a fish in a dish. Chewing parsley after a meal can help freshen breath. Parsley should be rinsed under cool water to remove any dirt before use. To ensure it is free from dirt and debris, soak the curly-leafed Parsley in shallow water for a few minutes prior to rinsing. Store unwashed Parsley in the refrigerator, wrapped in plastic for up to a week.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
The curly variety of parsley is more popular in some areas of Europe and the Mediterranean. This is most likely stems from an ancient practice of avoiding the flat-leafed variety, which too closely resembled a poisonous weed called “fool’s parsley.” A German guide to herbal remedies prescribes Parsley as a treatment for urinary tract infections, kidney and bladder problems. The Greeks used Parsley for medicinal purposes and didn’t eat it. Their use of the herb likely led to its use in Ayurvedic medicine in India. The stems and leaves can be dried and powdered for use as a green food coloring and dye.
Geography/History
Parsley is native to the Mediterranean region and 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 was used medicinally long before it was used as a seasoning; it has been cultivated for more than 2,000 years. Historians believe it was during the Middle Ages that Parsley began appearing in kitchens, and others credit Charlemagne, who had it growing in his gardens. By the 15th century, the use of Parsley had spread throughout Europe. Parsley was introduced to the United States in the 17th century by colonists, where it has become naturalized to the point of achieving native status according to the United States Department of Agriculture.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Oyster and Pearl Bar Restaurant | La Mesa CA | 619-303-8118 |
| The Bellows | San Marcos CA | 619-395-6325 |
| Brigantine La Mesa | La Mesa CA | 619-465-1935 |
| Sandbar Sports Grill | Mission Beach CA | 619-276-6700 x304 |
| Counterpoint | San Diego CA | 619-564-6722 |
| Waters Catering | San Diego CA | 619-276-8803 x4 |
| Shake and Muddle | Chula Vista CA | 619-816-5429 |
| Olive Tree Marketplace | San Diego CA | 619-224-0443 |
| Love Boat Sushi-San Marcos | San Marcos CA | 760-471-7722 |
| Panca Peruvian | Oceanside CA | 760-722-3396 |
| Supernatural Sandwich (Miramar) | San Diego CA | 858-831-7835 |
| Glenbrook Health Center | Carlsbad CA | 760-704-1000 |
| Home & Away - Old Town | San Diego CA | 619-886-1358 |
| Red Tail Catering | San Marcos CA | 858-605-8219 |
| Nobu | San Diego CA | 619-814-4124 |
| Nolita Hall | San Diego CA | 619-618-8820 |
| Sheraton La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-453-5500 |
| Third Corner Ocean Beach | San Diego CA | 619-223-2700 |
| Eclipse Chocolate | San Diego CA | 619-831-5170 |
| Manhattan of La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-459-0700 |
| Kitchens For Good | San Diego CA | 619-450-4040 |
| The Butchery | San Diego CA | 858-345-1524 |
| Harley Gray Kitchen and Bar | San Diego CA | 619-840-7000 |
| Cutwater Spirits | San Diego CA | 619-672-3848 |
| Farm Fresh Meals | San Diego CA | 760-707-2383 |
| Pete's Premade Paleo | San Diego CA | 770-359-8274 |
| Pour House | Oceanside CA | 760-730-5944 |
| Pamplemousse Grill | Solana Beach CA | 858-792-9090 |
| Sushi Ota 2021 | San Diego CA | 858-270-5047 |
| The Spot 2021 | La Jolla CA | 958-459-0800 |
| Le Papagayo (Carlsbad) | Carlsbad CA | 949-235-5862 |
| Little Italy Pizzeria and Pasta | San Diego CA | 619-220-0025 |
| Pitchers | San Diego CA | 858-472-1251 |
| Cueva Bar | San Diego CA | 619-269-6612 |
| Village Pizzaria | Coronado CA | 619-522-6890 |
| Blue Ocean | Carlsbad CA | 760-434-4959 |
| Farmer and The Seahorse 2020 | San Diego CA | 619-302-3682 |
| Jujus Kitchen | Bonita CA | 619-471-5342 |
| Pokewan (Del Mar) | San Diego CA | 858-847-2881 |
| Pier Cafe 2021 | San Diego CA | 619-232-7277 |
| Portside Pier (Brigantine) | San Diego CA | 858-268-1030 |
| Marriott Courtyard Nolen | San Diego CA | 619-544-1004 |
| Landons East Meets West | San Marcos CA | 760-304-4560 |
| Jeune Et Jolie | Carlsbad CA | 858-231-0862 |
| Harumama Teriyaki & Bao | Carlsbad CA | 760-637-5737 |
| Bea Green Cold Pressed Juice | Alpine CA | 619-398-6295 |
| Hilton Mission Valley | San Diego CA | 619-543-9000 |
| insideOUT | San Diego CA | 619-888-8623 |
| Morgan Run Resort and Club | Rancho Sante Fe CA | 858-756-2471 |
| Reata Glen | Ladera Ranch CA | 949-545-2250 |
| Wolfies Carousel | San Diego CA | 909-477-1291 |
| Fleming's Steakhouse Downtown | San Diego CA | 619-237-1155 |
| Bayhill Tavern | San Diego CA | 858-288-6923 |
| Paradise Point Resort Barefoot | San Diego CA | 858-490-6363 |
| Rabbit Hole | San Diego CA | 619-255-4653 |
| Village Pizzeria Bay Side | Coronado CA | 619-522-6890 |
| Graze | San Diego CA | 619-839-9852 |
| California Center for the Arts | Escondido CA | 760-839-4107 |
| Milton's Delicatessen, Grill & Bakery | Del Mar CA | 858-792-2225 |
| Hotel Palomar-Salt Box | San Diego CA | 619-515-3003 |
| Pacific Regent La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-597-8008 |
| Peace Pies | San Diego CA | 619-618-6960 |
| Viewpoint Brewing Co. | Del Mar CA | 858-205-9835 |
| Flying Pig Pub & Kitchen | Oceanside CA | 619-990-0158 |
| Toast Catering | San Diego CA | 858-208-9422 |
| Brigantine Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-481-1166 |
| Le Papagayo (Encinitas) | Encinitas CA | 760-944-8252 |
| Chateau Lake San Marcos | San Marcos CA | 760-670-5807 |
| Moxy San Diego Gaslamp | San Diego CA | 619-376-1850 |
| Capri Blu 2020 | San Diego CA | 858-673-5100 |
| Sushi Ota | San Diego CA | 858-270-5047 |
| Barrel & Board | San Diego CA | 619-379-2574 |
| Panama 66 | San Diego CA | 619-206-6352 |
| Love Boat Sushi-Oceanside | Oceanside CA | 760-721-3737 |
| Voltaire Beach House | San Diego CA | 858-213-7638 |
| Half Door Brewing | San Diego CA | 619-655-7459 |
| The Monsaraz | San Diego CA | 858-760-6228 |
| Madison | San Diego CA | 619-822-3465 |
| The Clean & Colorful Kitchen | San Diego CA | 858-775-9005 |
| Cross Roots | San Diego CA | 858-245-1678 |
| Siesel's Meats | San Diego CA | 619-275-1234 |
| Common Stock | San Diego CA | 805-638-8367 |
| Las Tres Catrinas Restaurant Bar LLC | Chula Vista CA | 619-240-9133 |
| Creme De La Crepe 2020 | San Diego CA | 619-269-1886 |
| Bantams Roost Public House | Carlsbad CA | 858-245-7166 |
| Rubicon Deli India Street | San Diego CA | 619-200-4201 |
| Harumama | San Diego CA | 619-269-7122 |
| Blue Ocean La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-999-4073 |
| Pier 32 Water Front Grill | National City CA | 619-718-6240 |
| Continental Catering Inc | La Mesa CA | 907-738-9264 |
| Paradise Point Resort BQT Kitchen | San Diego CA | 858-490-6363 |
| Common Theory | San Diego CA | 858-384-7974 |
| Bread & Cie Café | San Diego CA | 619-683-9322 |
| Fish Market Downtown | San Diego CA | 619-232-3474 |
| Harney Sushi Oceanside 2019 | Oceanside CA | 760-967-1820 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Parsley. One
is
easiest, three is harder.
