Parsley
Botanical Name
- Family Umbelliferae
- Petroselinum crispum
Common Names
- Common Parsley, Hamburg Parsley, Persely, Petersylinge, Rock Parsley
Description
Native to Europe and the eastern Mediterranean, parsley is a well-known biennial (sometimes an annual) herb, growing to a foot in height. It has an erect stem, bright green compound, smooth or crinkled leaves, umbels of small white flowers, and tiny ribbed seeds. It is cultivated everywhere for culinary use.
History
Known to the ancient Greeks and Romans, parsley was used as a diuretic, digestive tonic, and menstrual stimulant, more so than a culinary herb.
In Rome, the herb was associated with the queen of the underworld and used in funeral ceremonies.
It was introduced into Britain in 1548.
Native Americans used the leaves in compresses to treat insect bites and stings, as well as swollen glands. The Cherokee used the herb to treat kidney and bladder problems.
You can find Parsley in these itineraries:
