PARSLEY
The past month I seem to have been drawn to markets. I’m pretty sure it’s not been for the vibe or the food – but the hunt for unique things!! And boy did I find them…
I stumbled across a little stall with all these old out of print books, and a HEAP of them were on herbs!
I stumbled across a little stall with all these old out of print books, and a HEAP of them were on herbs!
Needless to say I bought them all. It was interesting to sit down and see how our view on herbs has changed over the last 40 years. So with all that in mind I bring you my offering from the Druids Garden.
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)
Don’t be fooled by its seeming commonality, it is a magical and useful herb – this one even surprised me! The more research I did, the more I loved it, so much so I have just put in another 200 Parsley seeds!!
Its botanical name (Petroselinum) heralds from Greek and has a mythological story behind it! Now “Petros” is Greek for rock – which is fitting for this Mediterranean plant, who is usually found growing near or around the rocks! Now for the story! Stubborn, bickering and quarrelsome twins, Peter and Selie, had been fighting all day and were noticed by a kind spirit who became tired of trying to change their ways, so united them into Peterselie, now Petroselinum – a plant showing all the qualities they lacked!
Parsley has had a whole massive string of odd weird customs and beliefs – my favourite from the middle ages is as a hair growth tonic with southernwood and barberry. Not sure if it worked, but they kept on trying for a century or 3.
The most interesting medicinal benefit was for sick goldfish! Add a handful of parsley in the water and watch them improve (Needless to say I haven’t tested this one!!) But as far as people go, Parsley infused as a tea in very good for all types of kidney problems, and is a great diuretic. It’s also super for healthy blood – being full of easily absorbable iron, manganese and copper not to mention the abundant amounts of vitamin C! So eat parsley to ward off colds, and also freshen your breath, and yes it even works on garlic breath too!!
Now here is my favourite, and simple recipe for Parsley butter. YUM! Top idea to get the kids involved in this one. Pick, wash and finely chop about a tablespoon of parsley, add a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, and a little ground sea salt. Add all these ingredients as you whip 100g of softened butter with a spoon, put in fridge overnight and enjoy! It’s great on everything from toast, to fish, even veggies, and is the perfect fancy addition to any dinner party!!
Parsley is hardy, and simply loves rich fertile soils, a sunny spot, and lots of water! However on the down side can suffer from root rot, and will tell you through yellow leaves if it’s lacking in water or nutrients. It is a companion plant for roses, onions and tomatoes too.
Who would have thought that the garnish we rarely eat could be so good for us and useful!! Discover the wonders of Parsley for yourself!
Ben Sorensen /|\
Ben Sorensen’s Druid’s Garden
A History of herbs and their uses
Ben Sorensen is a multi-awarding radio and TV presenter, and host of the popular radio segments, Ben Sorensen’s REAL Country & Ben Sorensen’s Druid’s Garden, heard all over Australia. Ben has a passion for herbs, quantum physics, and promoting a better way of life! For more information on Ben Sorensen visit www.BenSorensen.com or www.DruidsGardenOnline.com
Sponsored by:
www.MeditateWithCds.com
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)
Don’t be fooled by its seeming commonality, it is a magical and useful herb – this one even surprised me! The more research I did, the more I loved it, so much so I have just put in another 200 Parsley seeds!!
Its botanical name (Petroselinum) heralds from Greek and has a mythological story behind it! Now “Petros” is Greek for rock – which is fitting for this Mediterranean plant, who is usually found growing near or around the rocks! Now for the story! Stubborn, bickering and quarrelsome twins, Peter and Selie, had been fighting all day and were noticed by a kind spirit who became tired of trying to change their ways, so united them into Peterselie, now Petroselinum – a plant showing all the qualities they lacked!
Parsley has had a whole massive string of odd weird customs and beliefs – my favourite from the middle ages is as a hair growth tonic with southernwood and barberry. Not sure if it worked, but they kept on trying for a century or 3.
The most interesting medicinal benefit was for sick goldfish! Add a handful of parsley in the water and watch them improve (Needless to say I haven’t tested this one!!) But as far as people go, Parsley infused as a tea in very good for all types of kidney problems, and is a great diuretic. It’s also super for healthy blood – being full of easily absorbable iron, manganese and copper not to mention the abundant amounts of vitamin C! So eat parsley to ward off colds, and also freshen your breath, and yes it even works on garlic breath too!!
Now here is my favourite, and simple recipe for Parsley butter. YUM! Top idea to get the kids involved in this one. Pick, wash and finely chop about a tablespoon of parsley, add a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, and a little ground sea salt. Add all these ingredients as you whip 100g of softened butter with a spoon, put in fridge overnight and enjoy! It’s great on everything from toast, to fish, even veggies, and is the perfect fancy addition to any dinner party!!
Parsley is hardy, and simply loves rich fertile soils, a sunny spot, and lots of water! However on the down side can suffer from root rot, and will tell you through yellow leaves if it’s lacking in water or nutrients. It is a companion plant for roses, onions and tomatoes too.
Who would have thought that the garnish we rarely eat could be so good for us and useful!! Discover the wonders of Parsley for yourself!
Ben Sorensen /|\
Ben Sorensen’s Druid’s Garden
A History of herbs and their uses
Ben Sorensen is a multi-awarding radio and TV presenter, and host of the popular radio segments, Ben Sorensen’s REAL Country & Ben Sorensen’s Druid’s Garden, heard all over Australia. Ben has a passion for herbs, quantum physics, and promoting a better way of life! For more information on Ben Sorensen visit www.BenSorensen.com or www.DruidsGardenOnline.com
Sponsored by:
www.MeditateWithCds.com
