Parsley is an aromatic herb appreciated for its flavor, its medicinal properties and its freshness. It is an integral part of many traditional French recipes and brings a touch of color to our dishes. However, storing fresh parsley is not always easy and sometimes it wilts quickly, leading to regrettable food waste. To help you get the most out of this herbaceous plant, discover a chef’s three ultimate tips for preserving your parsley.
Tip 1: Store your fresh parsley properly in the refrigerator
The first tip is to optimize the conservation of your parsley in the refrigerator. In fact, this will allow you to benefit from its freshness and flavor for several days. According to our chef, two methods are particularly recommended:
Method with damp paper towel
- Wash and drain your parsley well.
- Place it on a slightly damp sheet of paper towel.
- Gently roll the parsley in the damp paper.
- Place the resulting roll in a semi-opened plastic bag and refrigerate it.
This method guarantees a optimal conservation of parsley for 7 to 10 dayspreserving its freshness and aromas.
Method with a glass jar filled with water
- Lightly cut the ends of the stems of your parsley.
- Fill a small glass jar with cold water.
- Insert the parsley stems into the water, with the leaves out of the water.
- Cover the jar with a plastic bag and refrigerate it.
With this method, you will be able to keep your fresh parsley for 10 to 14 days.
Tip 2: Use freezing to preserve your parsley for the long term
The second tip recommended by our chef is to freeze your parsley. Freezing is a preservation technique that preserves the flavor and color of parsley over a long period of time. Here’s how to do it:
Freeze whole parsley
- Wash, drain and dry your parsley carefully.
- Place it on a tray or plate covered with parchment paper.
- Place the tray in the freezer for a few hours, until the parsley is well frozen.
- Transfer the frozen parsley to a freezer bag, making sure to remove any air before sealing it.
So you always have parsley on hand and can use it directly in your culinary preparations without prior defrosting.
Freeze chopped parsley in ice cube trays
- Finely chop your previously washed and dried parsley.
- Place it in compartments of an ice cube tray.
- Cover each portion of chopped parsley with water or olive oil.
- Place the tray in the freezer for a few hours, until the cubes are frozen solid.
- Then store the parsley cubes in an airtight freezer bag.
Each cube of parsley will correspond to one tablespoon of fresh parsley, according to our chef. This will make it easy to know how much to add to your favorite recipes.
Tip 3: Dehydrate your parsley to optimize its conservation and reduce waste
Our chef’s ultimate tip for preserving parsley is dehydration. This technique makes it possible to extend the life of fresh parsley while preserving its taste qualities. Here’s how to do it:
Natural method to dehydrate parsley
- Hang the washed and dried parsley bouquets in a ventilated place, away from direct light and humidity.
- Let them dry for two to three weeks, until they are well dehydrated.
- Then rub the leaves to detach them from the stems.
- Store the dried parsley leaves in an airtight jar, away from light and heat.
This method will guarantee a shelf life of approximately 6 months to a yearideal for parsley lovers who want to reduce their food waste.
Using an Electric Dehydrator to Dry Parsley
If you have an electric food dehydrator, it is also possible to use it to preserve your parsley:
- Place the washed and dried parsley leaves on the dehydrator trays, making sure to space them well apart to promote air circulation.
- Set the device to a temperature of around 35°C and start the dehydration process.
- Once the leaves have dried well (about 4 to 6 hours), store them in an airtight jar, away from light and heat.
With these three tips shared by our chef, you can now keep your parsley fresh for longer and reduce your food waste, while continuing to enjoy its taste and nutritional benefits.
