Health benefits:

Over the years, parsley has been used to treat conditions like high blood pressure, allergies, and inflammatory diseases .  Often labeled as one of the most powerful disease-fighting plants, parsley provides great nutritional value and offers many potential health benefits.  The herb is rich in many vitamins, particularly vitamin K, which is needed for blood clotting and bone health.

 

• Rich in antioxidants
• Supports bone health
• Contains cancer-fighting substances
• Rich in nutrients that protect your eyes
• May improve heart health
• Parsley extract has antibacterial properties
• Reduces high blood pressure
• Treats Allergies and inflammatory diseases
• Lower Risk of condiiotns including: colon cancer, type 2 diabetes and heart disease
• High in Vitamin K - essential nutrient for bone health

 

How to Use:

Parsley microgreens are one of those varieties that are great to grow because you can use them for so many different dishes. You can more or less put chopped parsley microgreens on everything! Or even mix them in your next smoothie. It’s one of those microgreens that just go with most dishes  When it is time for BBQ, bring out your parsley microgreens, and spread them over your grilled vegetables and potatoes.  Parsley microgreens are best suited for raw applications as they are predominately used fresh as a garnish. They are popularly used in Middle Eastern, European, American, and Brazilian cuisine and can be sprinkled on top of soups, stews, casseroles, salads, and combined into stocks, sauces, and condiments to add flavor. They can also be mixed into pasta dishes with tomato, cheese, or cream-based sauces, spread across boiled or mashed potatoes, or placed in sandwiches.  Parsley microgreens pairs well with herbs and spices such as basil, mint, oregano, chervil, chive, dill, and tarragon, potato, tomato, garlic, lemon, avocado, capers, meats such as beef, chicken, lamb, goose, and fish, clams, bulgur wheat, parmesan cheese, butter, risotto, rice pilaf, goulash, and chicken paprikash. They will keep 5-7 days when stored unwashed, in a sealed container, and in the refrigerator. It is recommended to add the microgreen only at the very final stage of finishing a dish for best flavor.

 

Flavor:

It has a green flavor mixed with tangy, floral notes with hints of nutmeg, citrus, clove, and is reminiscent of celery, lemon, and pepper.

 

Nutritional Benefits:

Parsley is a great source of vitamins A and C which are important nutrients with antioxidant properties .  Parsley contains many powerful antioxidants that can benefit your health.  Antioxidants are compounds that prevent cellular damage from molecules called free radicals. Your body requires a healthy balance of antioxidants and free radicals to maintain optimal health.  The main antioxidants in parsley are flavonoids, carotenoids, and vitamin C.  The fragrant herb is particularly rich in a class of antioxidants known as flavonoids. The two main flavonoids include myricetin and apigenin.  Studies show that diets rich in flavonoids may lower your risk of conditions, including colon cancer, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.  Furthermore, beta carotene and lutein are two antioxidants known as carotenoids. Many studies associate higher intake of carotenoids with a reduced risk of certain diseases, including lung cancer.  Vitamin C also has strong antioxidant effects and plays an important role in supporting immune health and protecting against chronic disease.

 

Interestingly, dried parsley may be higher in antioxidants than fresh sprigs. In fact, one study found that the dried herb had 17 times more antioxidant content than its fresh counterpart .  Your bones need certain vitamins and minerals in varying amounts to remain healthy and strong.  Parsley microgreens are packed with vitamin K — an essential nutrient for bone health.  Vitamin K helps build stronger bones by supporting bone-building cells called osteoblasts. This vitamin also activates certain proteins that increase bone mineral density — a measure of the amount of minerals present in your bones.  Bone density is important, as a lower bone mineral density is associated with an increased risk of fractures — especially in older adults.  Some studies suggest that eating foods high in vitamin K may reduce your risk of fractures. One study found that higher vitamin K intake was associated with a 22% lower risk of fractures.  Typical dietary intakes of vitamin K may be below the levels needed to improve bone mineral density and reduce fracture risk. Therefore, eating foods like parsley may benefit bone health.

 

Parsley is a source of vitamin C to strengthen the immune system, vitamin E to protect the cells against free radical damage, vitamin K to assist in faster wound healing, and vitamin A to maintain healthy organ functioning. The greens also provide minerals such as copper, potassium, and iron, and other nutrients such as folate. It is important to note that the vitamins and minerals are found primarily within the leaves and not in the stems of the greens.  The microgreens also provide vitamin K to assist in faster wound healing and contain lower amounts of potassium, fiber, magnesium, and folate.