How to use fresh herbs: parsley

This one is easy. Parsley is one of the healthiest herbs you can use. It is filled with vitamins, especially Vitamin C. I planted the Italian variety but I love curly leaf parsley. I have found that the curly leaf variety is a little harder to grow. It might not be as hardy as other herbs and you may have to replant next year, but it is supposed to be a perennial.


Use it liberally in salads. I used it in this tuna salad I had for lunch, and it is great for almost any salad. Even a tossed salad is better with a little chopped parsley thrown in. Chicken salad is complimented by parsley and I really love to add a tablespoon of parsley and onion to my pimento cheese. In my opinion it takes it to a whole new level of delicious.

Parsley compliments chicken dishes, sautes and soups. In fact, you can use it in just about any savory dish. The only thing I would suggest when using parsley -- add it to a hot dish late in the cooking process. If it is overcooked, it loses some of its flavor. So, chop it and have it ready to add to your pot just before the dish is ready. Don't cook it over five to seven minutes.

It can be dried and used to sprinkle in foods, too. This is a great way to use parsley year-round. Just hang in a cool, dry place and when it is dry, crumble leaves only, not the stalks, and put in a spice jar or place in a baggie and freeze.

As you enjoy the flavor of parsley, just think about the health benefits you are getting for your family.