It can be sown all year round, from autumn to spring. And it is harvested two to three months later. To keep it, just place the leaves in airtight containers after drying them. The parsley-based infusion makes hair shiny.
At home, it must never be missing. The parsley is so used in the kitchen, and not only that, we have to have it always at hand. Even with small plants, in a pot, or on our balcony. We find it on the market, but given its so frequent use, for pasta, meat, and fish, why not cultivate it with a very simple method?
HOW TO GROW PARSLEY IN A POT
The parsley (Petroselinum Hortense or Petroselinum sativum) belongs to the Apiaceae family and is a cultivated plant, in almost all gardens, since antiquity. The ancient Greeks, for example, made medicinal and decorative use of it: the crowns for the winners of the Isthmus and Nemean games were made with intertwined parsley. The Romans were instead the first to use it in the kitchen, but only to remove bad smells or as a medicine for intoxications.
In particular, parsley is a biennial plant if cultivated, perennial in a spontaneous state, it can be sown throughout the year, and is harvested two to three months later. Instead, it is kept in airtight containers, after having dried the leaves. Alternatively, you can freeze it after washing and drying it thoroughly. To keep it fresh and within reach, you can grow a parsley seedling and grow it lush in a pot on the balcony or in the garden.
PROPERTIES OF PARSLEY
Fresh parsley leaves contain more iron, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin K, and vitamins A and C than those contained in oranges. This aromatic herb acts positively on the functions of the liver helping it in the purification of the organism. It also stimulates digestion, eliminates small kidney stones, and is anti-anemic, thanks to the presence of iron. Being also considered diuretic and purifying, parsley is particularly suitable for rheumatism, edema, and urinary retention.
BENEFITS OF PARSLEY
But not only that: parsley is also rich in antioxidant flavonoids and has purifying, antiseptic and antispasmodic effects. It is also rich in beta-carotene, an antioxidant substance that is particularly beneficial to the health of the skin and eyes. The high content of vitamin C carries out a protective and antioxidant action, counteracting the action of free radicals. With a daily but moderate use of parsley the immune system is strengthened.
HOW TO GROW PARSLEY
Parsley is a perfect plant for growing in pots: however, remember that its roots go deep so it is good to buy a large and deep pot. It does not present particular conditions for growth, it tolerates temperate climates and also grows well on a window sill. Arrange the pot in a preferably sunny area (but in dim light when it is summer) to favor and speed up the growth process which can vary, depending on the temperatures, from 10 days to three weeks.
SOWING PARSLEY
Distribute the parsley seeds evenly in the pot: they germinate slowly and take about a month. For faster germination, soak them overnight in water before planting and then bury them 1cm deep. After 4/5 weeks, the first leaves will begin to sprout. With sowing, you can obtain numerous parsley seedlings by investing only a few euros.
HOW MANY TIMES DO PARSLEY WATER?
Parsley needs water, but it is useless to overdo it with waste. The plant should be watered with the rain method, periodically, and without waiting for the soil to dry between one watering and the next. Otherwise, you run the risk of seeing your plant burn. On the contrary, if you overdo it with water, harmful stagnations form at the base of the plant. The work of weeding, with the help of a simple rake, on the other hand, must be done every two months to eliminate weeds.
HARVEST BY PARSLEY
In just 70-80 days you can start harvesting. The parsley harvest grown in October will take place in March and, since the plant is biennial, it will be pruned in June to allow the new leaves to grow back. Water the seedlings frequently, every day, in small doses: the soil must always be moist. The seedlings, once cut, grow back and reproduce new fresh leaves ready to season the dishes.
HOW TO USE PARSLEY
There are two types of parsley: broad-leaved and curly-leaved, sweeter and less used, especially suitable for decorating dishes. The infusion based on parsley is excellent for making hair shiny: use it after washing. Finally, parsley tea helps calm the nerves and relieves pain. You drink a cup 2-3 times a day, without sugar, and always on the advice of your doctor.
