Overview The use of parsley has been recorded in history since the Roman times. Since then, until now, it serves as a garnish to almost every savoury dish. It is cultivated worldwide, and although the leaves variate from one region to the next, the taste remains very similar. North Africa and the Middle East are mass processors of parsley in its dry form. Common Uses Parsley in its dry form can be added to mixed herbs spices used in meat rubs, vinaigrettes, bean dishes and vegetable soups. It complements egg dishes, roasted vegetables and herb breads very well. Most Italian dishes are enhanced with parsley in the form of mixed herbs blends. Parsley is often described as the perfect experimental herb as it more commonly adds flavour than overpowers due to its subtle aroma and flavour and can handle long cooking times. Recommended Storage The most important point is that dried herbs and spices can never go bad if they are kept dry. Yes, the potency is lost, but it will still influence the flavor of your cooking. Seeds, roots, leaves and flowers last longer than crushed or ground herbs and spices. When you are preparing to store your dry herbs and spices it is vital that they are completely dry. A good indication is to rub it with your finger to check if it crumbles. As oxygen degrades dried herbs and spices over time, you should store them in airtight containers. Glass jars with sealable lids are perfect, and so are metal tins. Plastic won't do for long terms storage. Sunlight also degrades dried herbs and spices; therefore, it should be stored in a dark cabinet that is both cool and dry. If your spice rack is near the stove or cooker, steam will degrade your herbs and spices each time you open the container while cooking. When buying in bulk, you should always store only some of the dried herbs and spices in a glass or metal container. Each time you open it, it is exposed to the elements. When buying in bulk it is useful to label your containers with the purchase date and discard date.
