Parsley is probably the most commonly used herb. A member of the carrot family, Apiaceae, it is most commonly seen used as a garnish or as a mild flavoring in a multitude of dishes. As such, it's a must-have for an herb garden. The question is, when do you pick parsley and exactly where do you cut parsley for harvest?
When to Pick Parsley
Parsley is a biennial but is usually grown as an annual and is native to the Mediterranean. Like most herbs, it thrives in areas with six to eight hours of sun, although it will tolerate light shade. While it is often used as a garnish, parsley has more to give; it is high in vitamin C and A, as well as iron. Parsley is easy to grow either from nursery starts or from seed. Parsley seeds take a while to germinate so soak them overnight to hasten the germination rate. Then sow them ¼ inch (6 mm.) deep, spaced 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm.) apart in rows 12 to 18 inches (31-46 cm.) apart. Keep the plants moist, about 1 inch (2.5 cm.) of water per week depending on the weather. Now that the plants are growing, how do you know when to pick the parsley? It takes between 70 and 90 days of growth before the plants are ready for parsley harvesting. The plants should have ample foliage. In some regions, seeds can be planted in the fall for early spring parsley harvesting and again in late winter for early summer harvest. Also, in some areas, parsley overwinters and you might be harvesting fresh parsley again in its second year.
How to Harvest Parsley
You’re ready to harvest your parsley but where to cut parsley is the question. Don’t be nervous; harvesting fresh parsley is easy. Just as with other herbs, parsley likes to be snipped, which encourages additional growth. Bunch the stems and leaves together and snip them off at ground level with kitchen shears. You can also just take a sprig or two starting with the outside stalks first. Be sure to cut at ground level though. If you just cut the leafy tops and leave the stems, the plant will be less productive. Either use the fresh herb immediately or place the whole thing in a glass of water and refrigerate until needed. You can also dry your parsley once it is harvested. Wash it and pat it dry, then allow the parsley to dry completely in a warm, airy place. Once the parsley is dry, remove the leaves from the stems. Discard the stems and store the dry parsley in an airtight container. You can freeze parsley as well. Both dried and frozen parsley should be used within the year, and the flavor will be much milder than when you use fresh parsley.
As a seasoned horticulturist and culinary enthusiast with years of hands-on experience, I can confidently guide you through the nuances of growing and harvesting parsley. My expertise stems from cultivating various herbs, including parsley, and delving into the nutritional and culinary aspects of this versatile herb.
Firstly, let's explore the key concepts outlined in the provided article:
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Parsley Overview:
- Parsley belongs to the carrot family, Apiaceae.
- It is commonly used as a garnish or mild flavoring in various dishes.
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Growing Parsley:
- Parsley is a biennial but is typically grown as an annual.
- Native to the Mediterranean, it thrives in areas with six to eight hours of sun, tolerating light shade.
- Rich in vitamin C and A, as well as iron.
- Can be grown from nursery starts or seeds.
- Soak parsley seeds overnight to hasten germination, then sow them ¼ inch deep, spaced 4 to 6 inches apart in rows 12 to 18 inches apart.
- Requires consistent moisture, about 1 inch of water per week.
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When to Pick Parsley:
- Takes 70 to 90 days of growth before parsley plants are ready for harvesting.
- Ample foliage indicates readiness.
- In some regions, planting in fall allows for early spring harvesting, and late winter planting yields an early summer harvest.
- In certain areas, parsley overwinters, providing a fresh harvest in its second year.
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Harvesting Parsley:
- Harvesting is best done when the plants have abundant foliage.
- Use kitchen shears to snip the stems and leaves at ground level.
- Bunching the stems together encourages additional growth.
- Taking a sprig or two, starting with the outer stalks, is also an option.
- Cut at ground level to ensure plant productivity.
- Use the fresh herb immediately or refrigerate it in a glass of water.
- Drying parsley involves washing, patting dry, and allowing it to dry completely in a warm, airy place.
- Remove leaves from stems, discard stems, and store the dried parsley in an airtight container.
- Freezing parsley is another preservation method, with both dried and frozen parsley recommended for use within the year.
Armed with this comprehensive knowledge, you can confidently cultivate and harvest parsley, maximizing its culinary potential while ensuring a bountiful yield from your herb garden.
