Parsley

Parsley was also used by the Greeks to crown victors at the
Isthmain Games and was used to decorate tombs and gravesites
as it was linked with Archemorus, the herald of death.
The Romans believed parsley could prevent intoxication
and were the first people to consume it in large quantities.
All varieties of parsley are biennieals, meaning that they usually last for 2 years,
but is usually grown as an annual as the leaves have a more
delicate flavour in the first year. In the second year the main
stems grow taller and branched, each branch holding the flat-topped
umbrel of yellow flowers. If these taller stems are cut as soon
as they appear you should get another year out of the plant.
Parsley is one of the most nutritious herbs
containing high amounts of vitamins A and C, potassium, calcium
magnesium, phosphorus, iron and other essential minerals.

My curly leaf parsley (the most commonly grown variety) grows as a border to the herb garden.

Parsley has distinctive, abundant
bright green, crisp and curly leaves. There is a plain leaved variety
which is not as attractive to look at but which has all the same
properties as the curly leaf.
In the kitchen parsley is more widely used
than any other garden herb in a large variety of ways:
in soups and stuffings, with fish and finely chopped in salads,
with vegetables, in combination with many other herbs, or simply
as a pretty and edible garnish.
Parsley has a mild, deliciously savoury
taste and has the ability to soften or disguise other harsher flavours.
It is particularly useful in banishing the flavour of garlic - either
mixed with it or eaten later on its own.
Parsley grows well in any good garden soil
and can be cultivated year round with two or three sowings of the seed
at the end of winter, in mid spring, and at the end of summer.

Parsley stimulates the circulation and the digestive system.
It is a good tonic herb and is a remedy for troublesome flatulence.
Parsley Parsley Tea taken hot last thing at night
can be effective in loosening a stubborn cough.
For medicinal purposes parsley tea is most usually made from the dried leaves.

To make Parsley Tea Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 2 teaspoons chopped parsley and leave to infuse for 5 minutes Then strain and sweeten with a little honey. A cup of hot parsley tea once a day is recommended.

Fresh crushed parsley leaves can be used externally for relieving insect bites and stings.Br> As an instant remedy take fresh or pulped leaves and place on minor cuts and abrasions to soothe and heal.

Parsley Butter Take 6 tablespoons of butter and beat in a bowl until soft. Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice 2 1/2 tablespoons chopped, fresh parsley, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Beath thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined. Chill in the refrigerator until firm. Makes a flavoured butter that adds zest to grilled fish and meat, or makes a crispy hot herb loaf.

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