A versatile herb, parsley is used to season and decorate a variety of savory foods. In full sun, wet, well-drained soil with modest fertility, parsley grows well in cool climates and flourishes. You may increase your chances of having fresh, flavorful herbs to use in your cooking by harvesting parsley at a suitable time and using the right techniques.
When to Harvest Parsley
When the plant reaches a height of about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) and has produced a substantial amount of foliage, parsley can be harvested. As long as the inner leaves are allowed to keep developing, the outer leaves can be taken as needed throughout the growing season.
Wait until the plant reaches a height of 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm) before cutting it back to approximately 2 inches (5 cm) above the soil line if you want to harvest the entire plant. The plant will be able to grow again and yield a second crop as a result.
How to Harvest Parsley
Harvesting parsley is a simple process and can be done as needed throughout the growing season. Here's how to harvest parsley:
Wait until the plant has established a substantial amount of foliage and reached a height of around 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm).
To harvest, pick the outer leaves. The oldest and biggest leaves on the plant will be these ones.
Close to the stem's base, remove the outer leaves by trimming them off using pruning shears or sharp scissors. To allow the plant to develop additional foliage and continue to expand, make sure you don't remove the inner leaves.
You can also cut the entire plant back to about 2 inches (5 cm) above the soil level if you want to harvest the entire plant. This will allow the plant to regrow and produce a second crop.
Parsley is best picked early in the day while the leaves are still chilly and tender.
After harvesting, rinse the parsley in cool water to get rid of any dirt or debris.
For up to a week, keep the parsley in a plastic bag in the refrigerator.
By following these simple steps, you can harvest parsley and enjoy its fresh, flavorful leaves in a variety of dishes.
What are Some Common Dishes That Use Parsley?
Tabouli: A Middle Eastern salad with parsley, bulgur wheat, tomatoes, onions, and a lemon and olive oil dressing.
Chimichurri: A South American sauce with parsley, garlic, olive oil, and vinegar, often served with grilled meats.
Gremolata: An Italian condiment made with parsley, garlic, and lemon zest, often served with osso buco or other braised meats.
Pesto: An Italian sauce made with basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, often with parsley added for extra flavor.
Soups and stews: Parsley is a common herb used to flavor soups and stews, such as minestrone, lentil soup, and chicken noodle soup.
Meat and fish dishes: Parsley can be used to flavor meat and fish dishes, such as meatballs, roasted chicken, and grilled fish.
Salads: Parsley can be added to salads for extra freshness and flavor, such as in a Greek salad or a simple green salad.
Final Thought
With regular harvesting, one parsley plant can produce enough fresh leaves and stems to last the entire season. Happy harvesting! Let me know if you have any further questions.
