Parsley is a herb which is popular globally. Use it as a garnishing or to flavor dishes. Parsley is always welcome in a dish. This versatile herb is available in fresh as well as dried forms. Parsley is used in soups, stews, stir-fries, in Mediterranean salads and to make a yummy chimichuri sauce.
Usage of fresh parsley and dried parsley vary in flavor, texture, and most importantly, shelf life. It is a wonderful low-calorie herb with a great flavor. It is important to understand which form of parsley will be used in which dish to enhance the flavor aptly. Fresh parsley vs dried parsley – let us discuss on where and how to use fresh and dried parsley.
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Fresh Parsley Vs Dried Parsley – What Is The Difference?
Most herbs, when dried, undergo a complete concentration process flavor wise. That is not the case with parsley. Fresh and dried parsley have major flavor differences. As both are different forms of parsley, it is essential to know about their differences.
Dried parsley has a very subtle and muted flavor. On the other hand, fresh parsley adds freshness to any dish. Parsley is bold and herbaceous in its fresh form. It gives a good aroma to the dish. The dried form of parsley has comparatively quite restricted uses, unlike its fresh form.
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Out of fresh parsley leaves? No worries. Elevate your dish with these alternate herbs for parsley.
Fresh Parsley vs Dried Parsley – Can They Be A Substitute For Each Other?
In the majority of the dishes, you will notice that fresh parsley is preferred. Fresh parsley adds freshness to any dish and a distinct aroma that, unfortunately, dried parsley does not provide. Dried parsley may not blend as well as fresh parsley. The fresh version of parsley ensures that it has a striking visual impact on all types of dishes. Especially fresh vegetable salads and soups are incomplete without the handful of fresh parsley in it.
Add fresh parsley according to the dish’s requirements. As parsley is not as strong a herb as rosemary or basil, its delicate flavor and aroma might not shine through a heavily spiced curry or sauce, but parsley always makes it way through in a mild stew or a soup.
Fresh parsley is quite bright in its flavors, while the dried parsley is subtle in taste. Dried parsley needs to be added in higher quantities (almost twice the quantity if replacing fresh parsley).
Another distinction between fresh parsley vs dried parsley is the amount of heat they can bear during cooking. Fresh parsley must be introduced to any dish when the cooking is almost done or just before serving. This will help to retain its taste and flavor. However, dried parsley is good to add while cooking, as it can resist high heating levels. As it is in dried form, you can blend it well along with other spices in your kitchen rack, too.
Hence, it is quite clear that fresh and dried parsley are nowhere a substitute for each other. On the contrary, you can make use of chervil as a substitute for fresh parsley.
Nutritional Values – Fresh And Dried Parsley
Unlike many other herbs and spices, the nutritional quotient of parsley remains the same for dry and fresh forms. Recent research has bought to light the fact that the nutrients in it have a higher concentration as compared to other dried herbs. Parsley mostly undergoes the drying process after the harvest. As a result, carotenoids and polyphenols have a very low degradation time.
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Uses – Fresh Parsley vs Dried Parsley
Pasta lover? If you love pasta, parsley might be the topmost ingredient in your pantry. Parsley compliments other herbs and spices like oregano and chilli flakes beautifully. Add some butter, parsley, oregano, chilli flakes and pasta to make a beautifully simple pasta sauce.
Adding it to baked meatballs also gives an amazing aroma that is very hard to resist. Turn fresh parsley into a refreshing Mediterranean salad called Tabbouleh.
You can use fresh parsley for making chimmichuri sauce as well. Blend fresh parsley with garlic, olive oil and cilantro and voila! Use this sauce as a dipping sauce or even as a marinade.
Dried parsley can be used in boiled, braised meat based dishes. You can also use dried parsley to make oven baked herbed vegetables. An added advantage with of dried parsley is the long cooking hours. The nutrition and taste are not compromised even on high heat.
Fresh Parsley Vs Dried Parsley- How Much To Use?
Yes, you can swap them for each other, but you have to keep in mind the conversion rates. Use 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley, and substitute it with just a teaspoon of dried parsley. It might offer a similar taste and texture, though not exactly the same. However, parsley is not easily available in every kitchen and if you are looking for a substitute for parsley, here are eight amazing alternatives.
Conclusion
While discussing about Fresh Parsley vs Dried Parsley, it is important to note that they differ vastly in flavor and texture. If you want to use parsley in meat or flour based dishes, go for fresh parsley. Dried parsley is best suited for vinaigrettes and soups.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Here we have answered a few interesting FAQs about fresh vs dried parsley.
1. Do dried parsley leaves have any flavor?
Dried parsley has a very subtle and muted flavor. On the other hand, fresh parsley adds freshness to any dish. Parsley is bold and herbaceous in its fresh form. It gives a good aroma to the dish.
2. Can fresh or dried parsley leaves be used as a topping?
Parsley leaves add freshness to the dish, add it as a topping or garnish with it.
3. Do parsley leaves have any nutrient value?
Parsley is a versatile herb loaded with vitamins and minerals. Besides this, it is a natural source of apigenin.
