Parsley is an aromatic plant widely used in Italian cuisine. Let’s discover together the tricks of how to harvest it at the right time of the year and, above all, preserve it in the most appropriate way.
Parsley is undoubtedly one of the most popular aromatic plants of all time . In fact, it is a very tasty dish with a spicy and unique taste. It can be placed on a large number of dishes to which you can undoubtedly add that special touch. Obviously, like everything, this has a tendency to go bad as the days go by.
It is for this reason that it is advisable to learn preservation techniques that can help this vegetable preserve its properties. You should also know that there are suitable times to harvest it, as it is at certain times of the year when it is able to give its best in terms of taste and yield. This is what we found out about parsley, the time of harvest and especially its protection.
Parsley: properties of an aromatic plant
When talking about aromatic herbs, it is impossible not to mention parsley. This plant is really widespread in all areas of Italy. It is very easy to grow and has many health benefits for those who consume it. We remember it for the therapeutic use it can have in fluid retention and excess fluid accumulation. Its leaves are also detoxifying and regular use could help remove toxins that accumulate in the body.
The benefits derive from the presence of all the components that contribute to parsley being a noble food. We are talking about fats, sugars, carbohydrates, proteins, fiber, sodium, potassium, calcium and iron, which are all really 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 consumed both raw and cooked, as each recipe can be improved depending on the use of the food. In some areas of Italy, it is used to decorate dishes because its leaves are really distinctive.
When to harvest it: here is the right season
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 the growth phase that occurs in this plant. In order to take advantage of the organoleptic properties of the product, it is recommended to harvest parsley before flowering. This is because when the flowers bloom, the flavor of the leaves lightens.
It is also possible to harvest it when new leaves sprout after cutting , or when the outer parts of the plant are too large compared to the inner ones. These little tricks will allow you to determine the best stage for harvesting, not only for what you bring to the table, but also for the new possibilities that will be presented to the plant. This way, the new leaves will have a chance to expand, while in the presence of the old ones, they could dry out sooner than necessary.
How to store fresh parsley?
The same precautions should be followed when storing fresh parsley. This plant is actually very delicate, so it could be damaged if not protected in the best possible way. Parsley can be kept in the freezer if it is placed in special bags and thawed at the time of consumption .
When it comes to the fridge, however, it is necessary to store parsley in plastic wrap or inside a piece of aluminum foil. However, in this case, the rare aromatic herb lasts only three days, after which it is discarded. Many suggest placing the parsley in a damp cloth and placing it in a freezer bag. This will release moisture and its leaves will not dry out prematurely.
A classic type of preservation is the possibility of placing parsley in water. Just put the vegetable stems in water, cover everything with plastic and put the parsley in the fridge. In this case, the duration of the product should be approximately one week. Have you ever tried any of these tricks?
