When you think of parsley, are you picturing a sad, limp bit of greenery on the side of a plate, destined to be ignored? That’s too bad, because parsley is an incredibly versatile herb with a subtle flavor that can elevate just about any dish. If you haven’t used it in your cooking, you’re missing out. Learn the basics about parsley and try this popular and refreshing recipe. You may just discover that you have a new favorite ingredient!

Parsley Basics

Parsley is a close relative of carrots and grows well in all kinds of climates, so it’s found in just about any cuisine. Parsley is rich in many vital vitamins, including Vitamin C, B 12, K and A. There are two main types of parsley: curly and flat-leafed. Curly parsley is typically used for garnishing because it is sturdier, but chefs prize flat-leafed parsley for its more intense flavor and ease of use. Either will do, but try to get flat-leafed parsley from a local farmers market for best results.

Parsley Recipes From Around the World

You can add parsley to just about any favorite soup or salad recipe to create a more flavorful meal, but why not let it shine in some more unexpected dishes from around the world? Try this delicious recipe for ingenuity:

Wooly Bully Tabbouleh (We made this name up. Don’t go Googling it.)

This classic Mediterranean salad is one of the few dishes around that features parsley as the star of the show. The healthy mix of grains and vegetables is a great cold meal for a warm summer night, and fresh ingredients make all the difference.

• 2 cups water
• 1 1/2 cups bulgur wheat
• 2 medium tomatoes
• 1 cucumber, seeded
• 2 scallions
• 1 cup fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/8 cup lemon juice
• salt and pepper to taste

1. Bring water to a boil and add bulgur wheat. Stir once, cover, and remove from heat, allowing the bulgur wheat to absorb the water. Set aside and allow to cool.
2. While bulgur wheat is cooling, finely dice tomatoes, cucumber, scallions and parsley. Combine with cooled bulgur wheat and stir until well blended.
3. To make the dressing, slowly drizzle lemon juice into olive oil and whisk rapidly to emulsify. Add salt and pepper to taste.
4. Pour dressing over salad and toss.
5. Refrigerate at least one hour and preferably overnight for full development of flavor.
6. Serve cold as a side dish or in pita pockets for a lunch.
   

On Storing Parsley

Recommended Temperature; 32°-36°F (0°-2°C) – Relative Humidity 85-90%

Storing Tips: Cut away a small portion from the stem. Immerse in tepid water for 5 minutes. Drain and place in Cambro container with a drain shelf placed on the bottom of the container. Immediately drain excess water. Place the container into your cooler which puts the parsley into shock and makes it strong and full of moisture. Store away from drafts and ethylene gas producing fruit.

With a little creativity, you can find even more ways to add parsley to your life. Soups and salads are always a great choice, but parsley also works well in a variety of savory dishes. Once you get started, you’re sure to find many more ways to use this great ingredient.

Cambro Food Storage Containers are specifically designed to help you confidently store your parsley or any other type of fresh herb to help retain freshness, quality, appearance, flavor and also the nutritional value for as long as possible. Discover tips on how to best store your fresh produce by accessing the Freshness Contained tools or by requesting the Freshness Contained brochure.