Parsley is used in cooking to brighten flavors and add balance to savory dishes. It has a mildly bitter taste and is often used as a garnish as well as an ingredient in traditional American and European stews and casseroles. “Curly” parsley, used as a garnish, has ruffled leaves while Italian parsley has flat leaves and a more robust flavor.Parsley is native to the Mediterranean region. Colonists brought it from Europe to America in the 1600s, and it continues to be a popular garden vegetable nationwide.Considered the world’s most popular herb, parsley derives its name from the Greek word petro meaning stone because it was found growing on rocky hillsides in Greece. Celery is a close relative. It’s an excellent source of vitamins K, C and A, folate and iron, and it has a variety of essential oil components and flavonoids. Parsley is a good source of folic acid, which has a critical role in heart health, and it improves digestion.

Alert: While spices can have many beneficial properties for health, using them for medical purposes should be done under the guidance and supervision of a healthcare professional or specialist. Some spices may interact with medications or cause adverse reactions in certain individuals, and it is important to use them safely and appropriately. If you are considering using spices for a medical condition, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before doing so.