Parsley is a widely used aromatic plant in Italian cuisine. Let’s discover together the tips for harvesting it at the right time of year and, above all, for preserving it properly.
Collect the parsley
Among the most beloved aromatic plants of all time, parsley must certainly be mentioned. It is, in fact, a very tasty food, with a spicy and unique flavor. It can be placed on many dishes to which it certainly manages to give that extra touch. Obviously, like everything else, this one too tends to deteriorate over time.
It is precisely for this reason that it is advisable to learn the preservation techniques that could allow this vegetable to maintain its characteristics. It is also important to know that there are good times to harvest it, as it is at certain times of the year that it manages to give its best in terms of flavor and yield. Here is what we have discovered about parsley, the harvest periods , and especially its preservation.
Parsley: the characteristics of the aromatic plant
When talking about aromatic herbs , it is impossible not to mention parsley. This plant is widespread in all regions of Italy. It is very easy to grow and has numerous health benefits for those who consume it. It is remembered for the therapeutic use it can exert against water retention and the accumulation of excess fluids. Its leaves are also detoxifying and their regular intake could help eliminate toxins that accumulate in the body.
Parsley
The benefits come from the presence of all the components that contribute to making parsley a noble food. We are talking about fats, sugars, carbohydrates, proteins, fiber, sodium, potassium, calcium, and iron, all of which are truly valuable elements. According to some experts, parsley is a powerful natural anti-inflammatory and can be used to fight bad breath and aid digestion. It can be eaten both raw and cooked, and each recipe can be enhanced according to its use. In some regions of Italy, it is used to decorate dishes, due to its distinctive leaves.
When to pick it up: Now is the right time
As mentioned above, there is a time of year when it is best to pick parsley. In this case, we are not talking about months or seasons but about a growth phase that occurs in this plant. To benefit from the organoleptic qualities of the product, it is advisable to harvest parsley before flowering. In fact, when the flowers bloom, the flavor of the leaves becomes lighter.
Parsley
It is also possible to harvest it when the new leaves appear after pruning, or when the outer parts of the plant are too large compared to the inner parts. These little tips allow you to identify the best stage for harvesting, not only for what you will bring to the table, but also for the new possibilities that will open up to the plant. This will give the new leaves the opportunity to develop, whereas if the old ones are present, they could dry out sooner than necessary.
How to keep parsley fresh?
The same precautions should be taken when storing fresh parsley. This plant is very delicate, so it could be damaged if not protected in the best possible way. Parsley can be stored in the freezer if it is placed in special bags and thawed just before consumption .
As for the refrigerator, however, it is necessary to place the parsley in plastic packaging or inside a piece of aluminum foil. But in this case, the precious aromatic herb will only be valid for three days, after which it will be discarded. Many suggest placing the parsley in a damp cloth and then placing it in a freezer bag. This way, it will release moisture and its leaves will not dry out too soon.
A classic method of preservation involves preserving parsley in water. Simply place the stems of the vegetable in water, cover with plastic wrap, and place the parsley in the refrigerator. In this case, the product should last about a week. Have you ever tried any of these tricks?