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How important are herbs like parsley and cilantro in Egyptian cooking?

Introduction: The Role of Herbs in Egyptian Cooking

Egyptian cuisine is well-known for its rich and diverse flavors. One of the key ingredients that contribute to the unique taste of Egyptian dishes is the use of herbs. Herbs like parsley and cilantro are commonly used in Egyptian cooking, adding distinct flavors, aromas, and textures to a variety of dishes. These herbs are not only used for their culinary purposes but also for their medicinal and cultural significance. In this article, we will explore the importance of herbs like parsley and cilantro in Egyptian cooking, their traditional uses, and growing and harvesting methods in Egypt.

Cilantro: A Staple in Egyptian Cuisine

Cilantro, also known as coriander, is a staple herb in Egyptian cuisine. It is used in a variety of dishes, ranging from soups and stews to dips and salads. Cilantro has a unique flavor that is both refreshing and spicy, making it a perfect complement to spicy and savory dishes. In Egyptian culture, cilantro is believed to have healing properties and is often used as a natural remedy for digestive problems and other ailments.

The Significance of Parsley in Egyptian Dishes

Parsley is another herb that is widely used in Egyptian cooking. It has a mild, slightly bitter flavor that adds depth to a variety of dishes. Parsley is commonly used in salads, stews, and soups, and is often paired with other herbs like mint and cilantro. In Egyptian culture, parsley is believed to have cleansing properties and is often used in rituals and celebrations.

Medicinal Properties of Herbs in Egyptian Cooking

Herbs like parsley and cilantro are not only used for their culinary purposes but also for their medicinal properties. In Egyptian culture, herbs are believed to have healing properties and are often used as natural remedies for various ailments. Parsley, for example, is believed to have diuretic properties, making it a natural remedy for urinary tract infections. Cilantro, on the other hand, is believed to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a popular natural remedy for digestive problems and other ailments.

Traditional Uses of Herbs in Egyptian Culture

Herbs have been used in Egyptian culture for centuries, not only for their medicinal properties but also for their cultural significance. Herbs like parsley and cilantro are often used in religious ceremonies, weddings, and other cultural events. Parsley, for example, is believed to have cleansing properties and is often used in rituals before and after meals.

Growing and Harvesting Herbs in Egypt

Herbs like parsley and cilantro are commonly grown in Egypt due to the country’s favorable climate and soil conditions. These herbs are typically grown in small gardens or on farms and are harvested by hand. In Egypt, herbs are often dried and stored for later use, ensuring a constant supply of fresh herbs throughout the year.

Culinary Applications of Herbs in Egyptian Cooking

Herbs like parsley and cilantro are used in a variety of dishes in Egyptian cuisine. In salads, these herbs add freshness and texture, while in stews and soups, they add depth and flavor. Herbs are also commonly used in dips and sauces, adding a unique taste and aroma to these dishes.

Conclusion: The Ubiquitous Presence of Herbs in Egyptian Cuisine

Overall, herbs play a crucial role in Egyptian cooking, adding distinct flavors, aromas, and textures to a variety of dishes. Herbs like parsley and cilantro are not only used for their culinary purposes but also for their medicinal and cultural significance. As such, growing and harvesting herbs is an important practice in Egypt, ensuring a constant supply of fresh herbs throughout the year. Whether used for their culinary, medicinal, or cultural significance, herbs are an integral part of Egyptian cuisine and culture.

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Cooking Tips

Freeze Parsley to Keep It Fresh Longer

You can easily freeze parsley. So you don’t have to throw anything away after a lush harvest, because fresh parsley cannot be stored for long.

Parsley is at its most fragrant just before flowering. In May or June you can cut them just above the ground. Unfortunately, fresh parsley does not keep very long. To use parsley outside of harvest time, you can preserve it. In the event of a harvest surplus, you also avoid throwing away food.

In principle, you have the option of drying or freezing herbs. Since the parsley loses a lot of its aromatic substances when it dries, we recommend that you freeze the herb.

Freeze parsley: how it works

Wash the parsley with water.
Dry them gently with a kitchen towel.
Place the parsley in a sealable, frost-proof container. We recommend, for example, containers made of glass, stainless steel or cotton bags. For the sake of the environment, you should avoid using plastic fresh storage bags. (More information: Freezing food without plastic)
Another alternative are ice cube molds. Simply fill them with chopped parsley and some water.
Finally, place the parsley in the freezer.


As long as the cold chain is not broken, the frozen herbs will keep for several months. You can take them out of the freezer when needed and simply crumble them with your fingers.

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Cooking Tips

Eat Parsley Root Raw: Here’s How

Eating parsley roots raw is not a problem, because the root vegetable not only tastes good as a soup ingredient. We present you a recipe for raw parsley root salad.

The parsley root is probably best known as a classic soup vegetable. No wonder, because it’s in season in the colder months. From the end of October to February, it provides us with valuable nutrients as a spicy ingredient in stews and soups.

The root vegetable, which is an old subspecies of parsley, contains, among other things, calcium, iron and vitamin C, as well as various essential oils. However, the levels of some of these nutrients, most notably vitamin C, are reduced when you cook the parsley root. You can find out more about the nutrients and effects of parsley root here: Parsley root: preparation, effects and nutrients.

However, you can also eat the aromatic parsley root raw. Raw, it’s as easy to prepare as a carrot. Raw parsley roots are particularly tasty when they are fresh. You can tell by the fact that the root is crisp, firm and smooth. Incidentally, smaller roots are more tender than large specimens and are therefore particularly recommended for raw food dishes.

We also recommend buying parsley roots organic whenever possible. This is how you support agriculture without chemical-synthetic pesticides.

Eating parsley root raw: How to prepare it

If you want to eat parsley root raw, first clean it like this:

Peel the parsley root with a vegetable peeler.
Cut off the ends.
Hold the turnip briefly under running water and dry it.
Cut them into cubes, slices or sticks, depending on their intended use.
You can enjoy raw parsley root raw with dips or add it to salads and smoothies. We present you a recipe for a delicious salad with raw parsley root, carrot, beetroot and apple.

Recipe: Salad with raw parsley root, apple, beetroot and hazelnuts

Ingredients:

500 gparsley root
250 g carrots
250 g beetroot
2 shallots
100 apples
1 handful of fresh parsley
4 tablespoons light balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar, maple syrup, or other sweetener
2 tablespoons of tahin or almond butter
Salt and pepper to taste
4 tbsp hazelnuts, toasted

Directions:

Peel the parsley root, carrot, and beetroot.
Either cut the vegetables into fine strips or grate them.
Peel the shallots and chop them finely. Wash the apple and cut it into small pieces. Wash the parsley and roughly chop it. Mix the vegetables and apple together.
Prepare the dressing: Mix together the vinegar, sugar, and tahini or almond butter. Season the dressing with salt and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the vegetables and mix well. Fold in the toasted hazelnuts. For example, serve some flatbread with a homemade herb dip with the salad.

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Food

10 Amazing Facts About Parsley

Parsley is an indispensable component of the kitchen and housewives have used parsley for a long time to give their dishes a unique taste.

  1. Parsley is a close relative of celery, dill, caraway seeds and carrots.
  2. The exact origin of parsley is unknown. Some researchers believe that parsley is native to Sardinia, where it is often found in the wild even today. However, it is known that parsley began to be eaten and grown about 2000 years ago.
  3. In ancient Rome, besides the fact that parsley was an obligatory component of most dishes, it was also used to eliminate the effects of a hangover.
  4. Parsley has long been used as a natural breath freshener and is very often used in medicine and cosmetology. It is added to the production of soap and shampoo.
  5. In cooking, there are two main types of parsley, which differ in both taste and appearance. Curly parsley is more bitter and wrinkled like mint leaves and Italian parsley, which has a strong aroma and flat leaves.
  6. The flavor of parsley is also highly dependent on the type of soil and climatic conditions where it grows. Parsley is one of the most popular spices in the world.
  7. It is recommended to plant parsley near rose bushes, thanks to which the flowers become healthier and their own smell is significantly enhanced.
  8. In addition, it is good to grow parsley in the same garden with a variety of vegetables, its smell repels pests, it has antibacterial and antifungal properties and attracts bees that pollinate flowers.
  9. A tablespoon of parsley contains more than half of the recommended daily intake of vitamin K. Parsley is also rich in B vitamins and vitamins A and C.
  10. Besides vitamins, parsley contains a lot of dietary fiber and minerals such as iron, potassium, calcium and magnesium.
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