+ Larger Image. A variety of parsley, also known as Italian parsley that has dark green flat leaves and a somewhat strong peppery flavor. This parsley is best for cooking, since it can withstand heat and retain its flavor better than Curley parsley. As a whole herb, it can be used nicely for a garnish.

What is flat leafed parsley?

Italian parsley (sometimes known as flat-leaf parsley) is a green herb with serrated leaves and a clean, slightly peppery taste. Its flavor is stronger than that of its ruffled cousin, curly-leaf parsley. It is often used as a garnish. ... Italian parsley has leaves that are larger and a fresh, grassy smell.

Is there a difference between parsley and flat-leaf parsley?

Flat-leaf parsley (Petroselinum crispum neapolitanum, also known as Italian parsley) has a more robust flavour and smoother mouthfeel than curly parsley (P. crispum), and is also easier to wash. Flat-leaf parsley surpassed its curly cousin as the green herb of choice about the turn of the last century.

How can you tell if parsley is flat-leaf?

The serrations on cilantro leaves are rounded and lacy looking, whereas parsley usually has pointy serrations. Parsley is typically a slightly darker green. If you still can't tell the difference, there's nothing wrong with pinching or rubbing a leaf to check its aroma.

Which type of parsley is best for cooking?

AskingLot states that flat-leaf parsley is typically preferred for cooking because it retains its flavor and texture in hot dishes; but since all fresh herbs lose their luster when cooked, it's best to add Italian parsley just before serving.

Parsley Uses and Health Benefits - Properties, Benefits and Contraindications of Parsley

27 related questions found

What is flat leaf parsley good for?

Parsley's vitamin K is important because it helps blood to clot in addition to contributing to bone health. Parsley is rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants, which help reduce the risk of serious health conditions like diabetes, stroke, heart disease and cancer. It's also an excellent source of: Vitamin A.

Are flat leaf parsley and cilantro the same thing?

Parsley is a separate herb, but it's part of the same family as cilantro - the Apiaceae or Umbelliferae family - which is why the two herbs are pretty similar in their appearance. Flat-leaf parsley looks especially similar to cilantro as both have flat, green leaves.

What does flat parsley look like?

Look for bright green leaves with no signs of yellowing, browning, or wilting. The bunch can have some moisture but the leaves should not be soggy. Flat-leaf parsley can easily be grown in a home garden or pot from seeds or starter plants (the latter is best for beginners).

What can I use instead of flat-leaf parsley?

10 Great Substitutes for Parsley

• Chervil. Chervil is closely related to parsley, but it has a milder flavor — making it well suited for substituting fresh or dried parsley. ...
• Tarragon. Tarragon is a staple herb in French cuisine. ...
• Oregano. ...
• Chives. ...
• Arugula. ...
• Endive. ...
• Cilantro. ...
• Basil.

What does a parsley plant look like?

Parsley is a biennial plant with bright green, feather-like leaves and is in the same family as dill. Here's how to grow parsley in your own garden.

What kind of parsley do I have?

In general, flat-leaf parsley has a more robust flavor, while the curly variety is associated with decoration. Some claim that curly-leaf parsley has no flavor or, conversely, that it tastes more bitter, but it really depends on the particular plant, its growing conditions, and age.

What is English parsley?

English Parsley, aka Curly Leaf Parsley, has a mild flavour. Its bright green leaves have a sharp, peppery taste. Parsley is commonly used as a garnish or topping for soups.

How do you cut flat parsley?

The best way to chop parsley is to use the rock-chop method where you begin rocking the knife up and down while keeping the tip of the blade always on the surface of the cutting board. This helps maintain cutting control and uses the knife leverage to your advantage to cut cleanly down and through ingredients.

Is there a difference in taste between curly and flat leaf parsley?

Although they come from the same family—the Umbelliferae, or carrot, family—Italian (or flat-leaf) parsley and curly parsley have distinct appearances and flavors. ... The balance of these flavor compounds differs between flat and curly parsley, giving flat-leaf parsley a much stronger taste than its counterpart.

How do you grow flat leaf parsley?

Grow curled and flat-leaf parsley in moist but well-drained soil in sun to partial shade. Harvest the leaves as and when you need to. Sow seed every few weeks for a successional harvest. Parsley is biennial and treated as an annual, so you'll need to sow fresh seed every year.

Does flat leaf parsley flower?

If you leave parsley in the garden after a mild winter during the first year of growth, it may return to life in the spring. In the second year, you will see parsley bolting, meaning it will form flower heads. If you leave the flower heads on the parsley plant, the seeds can be saved for sowing next year.

What is cilantro vs parsley?

People in some regions refer to cilantro as coriander or Chinese parsley. ... Cilantro leaves are more rounded, while parsley leaves are pointed. However, the best way to tell the two apart is by smelling them. Parsley has a fresh, mild herbal scent, while cilantro has a much stronger, spicy, citrusy aroma.

What are parsley leaves?

Parsley is a flowering plant native to the Mediterranean. The two most common types are French curly-leaf and Italian flat-leaf. Over the years, parsley has been used to treat conditions like high blood pressure, allergies, and inflammatory diseases ( 1 ).

Is coriander the same as parsley?

Parsley and coriander are different herbs, but they behave pretty much the same. Both herbs are heavily used in western cooking, with parsley being more in line with the European style dishes. ... In terms for flavor it may remind you of a citrus or lemongrass flavor, crossed with a herb flavor.

Can flat leaf parsley be grown outside?

Sow outdoors from early spring to early summer into well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Sow seeds thinly in 1cm (½in) deep drills, cover with soil and water gently. Space rows 15cm (6in) apart. Germination can be slow, taking up to six weeks.

How do you look after flat leaf parsley?

Keep the soil moist by watering regularly during prolonged dry periods; dry soils can cause the plants to 'bolt' (going to seed prematurely). Parsley is a hungry plant, so use a general granular plant feed in the soil before sowing or planting out and feed with a liquid plant food throughout summer.

Which is healthier cilantro or parsley?

Fresh parsley is very rich in Vitamin A and potassium. ... Fresh cilantro is also very rich in Vitamin A and potassium but it is higher than parsley in calcium and dietary fiber. It is also moderately rich in Vitamin C and folate (folic acid). Both cilantro and parsley are naturally low in calories, fat, and sodium.

What is the English word for cilantro?

Cilantro is the Spanish word for coriander, also deriving from coriandrum. It is the common term in American English for coriander leaves, due to their extensive use in Mexican cuisine.

Can dogs eat parsley?

When it comes to parsley for dogs, you should only feed the curly variety. Watch those serving sizes, as parsley does contain a toxic compound called furanocoumarin which can be dangerous in excessive amounts. In smaller servings, however, parsley does your dog more good than harm.

Is eating too much parsley bad for you?

Parsley is POSSIBLY SAFE for most adults when taken by mouth as medicine, short-term. In some people, parsley can cause allergic skin reactions. Consuming very large amounts of parsley is LIKELY UNSAFE, as this can cause other side effects like "tired blood" (anemia) and liver or kidney problems.