Herbs Archives - falafelandcaviar.com Thu, 07 Mar 2024 15:05:18 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.2 Why You Should Grow Your Own Basil https://falafelandcaviar.com/why-you-should-grow-your-own-basil/ Fri, 08 Mar 2024 16:42:00 +0000 https://falafelandcaviar.com/?p=19739 Prepare to immerse yourself in the realm of fresh flavors and aromatic wonders, with what is about to become your latest culinary obsession: basil! Growing it at home, that is. Here is why cultivating your own basil at home will be the most gratifying hobby you’ve taken on in a while. Superior Flavor Indulge in […]

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]]> Prepare to immerse yourself in the realm of fresh flavors and aromatic wonders, with what is about to become your latest culinary obsession: basil! Growing it at home, that is. Here is why cultivating your own basil at home will be the most gratifying hobby you’ve taken on in a while.

Superior Flavor

Indulge in the unmatched, zesty taste of homegrown basil plucked straight from your garden (or planter). Nurturing your own basil unlocks access to premium leaves filled with essential oils and flavor compounds, enriching your pasta, salads, and even cocktails!

Endless Variety

From traditional Genovese basil to exotic Thai and lemon basil variations, the basil world offers an extensive array of flavors and aromas waiting to be discovered. Experiment with different cultivars to uncover your favorites and add them to your culinary creations.

Cost-Effective and Convenient

Bid farewell to expensive store-bought basil and say hi to the budget-friendly convenience of homegrown herbs. With minimal space and effort required, growing basil at home becomes a practical solution, ensuring a constant supply of fresh ingredients at your fingertips.

Sustainable and Rewarding

Last but not least, cultivating your own basil organically at home helps you embrace sustainability. Just imagine it: All the calm of tending to your garden, added to the satisfaction of homegrown ingredients in your dishes—not many things compare.

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]]> Three Great Ways to Elevate a Rice Dish https://falafelandcaviar.com/three-great-ways-to-elevate-a-rice-dish/ Thu, 14 Dec 2023 16:25:00 +0000 https://falafelandcaviar.com/?p=18815 Rice is a very common side dish across the world commonly served alongside meat, chicken, fish, and curries. However, when cooked or spiced right, one has the ability to transform any rice from just a side piece to the main event. Keep reading for a few culinary suggestions to elevate your rice. Toppings Add a […]

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]]> Rice is a very common side dish across the world commonly served alongside meat, chicken, fish, and curries. However, when cooked or spiced right, one has the ability to transform any rice from just a side piece to the main event. Keep reading for a few culinary suggestions to elevate your rice.

Toppings

Add a variety of delicious toppings to your rice such as dried fruit, slivered nuts, and spice blends. Many Mediterranean stores sell spice blends and rice toppings that are amazing on top of cooked rice or even cooked with the rice. This toppings have the ability to transform an ordinary rice into a unique culinary experience.

Spices

Cook your rice with several aromatic spices such as turmeric, cumin seeds, and paprika. When cooked with the crunchy rice before adding the water, the rice will take on the flavor of anything you put into it. This is a great way to create a side dish that matches the flavors of what your serving!

Veggies and Meat

Cook your rice with various veggies or meat to make the ultimate one-pot experience. This is an exceptional way to not only reduce the amount of kitchen ware you’ll have to wash later, but will also transform your rice into a heavenly comfort food.

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]]> The Easiest Herbs to Grow at Home https://falafelandcaviar.com/the-easiest-herbs-to-grow-at-home/ Tue, 14 Sep 2021 12:49:00 +0000 https://falafelandcaviar.com/?p=16299 Herbs are an essential part of baking, and one thing that can really add to a dish is when they are completely fresh. Luckily, many herbs are easy to grow and can be maintained in a small, manageable pot so it can be done even without a full garden or any outdoor space. Growing your […]

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]]> Herbs are an essential part of baking, and one thing that can really add to a dish is when they are completely fresh. Luckily, many herbs are easy to grow and can be maintained in a small, manageable pot so it can be done even without a full garden or any outdoor space. Growing your own herbs can also help save money and is more convenient than buying from the store. Here are some of the bet herbs to grow at home.

Thyme

Thyme is great for growing in a pot at home, because it does well when it’s sheltered from the elements. It needs direct sunlight, so it’s perfect for a pot to sit on your windowsill. It can grow throughout the year, and there are multiple strains you can choose from like lemon and wooly, so it gives you some variety as well.

Mint

Mint is one of the most common home-grown herbs, both peppermint and spearmint. It grows like a weed so it isn’t too hard to help flourish. It can grow in sun or shade, inside or outside. If you plant it in a garden, be sure to keep an eye out because it will spread just like a weed.

Oregano

Oregano is great for home growth because it grows back thicker as you harvest it. It grows year-round in sun or some shade, so it’s another great option for a windowsill or even a spot that doesn’t get direct sunlight.

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]]> When to Use Dried Herbs Vs. Fresh Herbs https://falafelandcaviar.com/when-to-use-dried-herbs-vs-fresh-herbs/ Tue, 14 Sep 2021 10:34:00 +0000 https://falafelandcaviar.com/?p=16300 Herbs like parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme are a great way to add flavor and depth to your cooking. But you may not always have fresh herbs on hand. And sometimes dried herbs, which can be kept on your shelf for up to two years if stored properly, are even a better option. There are […]

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]]> Herbs like parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme are a great way to add flavor and depth to your cooking. But you may not always have fresh herbs on hand. And sometimes dried herbs, which can be kept on your shelf for up to two years if stored properly, are even a better option. There are a few rules to keep in mind when cooking with herbs. Here are some tips for the best way to use both dried and fresh herbs.

In general, an herb’s flavor gets more potent as it dries. As such, you’ll want to use less when using dried herbs than fresh ones: usually one teaspoon dried to one tablespoon of fresh herbs. Fresh herbs are particularly good as a garnish on top of a dish while dried herbs are more often used during the cooking process. However, you can use either in either case. A sprig of fresh herbs is also easier to remove later than chopped-up dried herbs if you want a smooth or unified consistency.

Different types of herbs may be better dried and others better fresh. Herbs like rosemary and bay leaves, where the potent flavor is best infused into the dish are better added dried during cooking. Bay leaves are often dried whole, so they can still be removed later.

Other herbs are more commonly used to add freshness along with flavors such as mint, basil, or cilantro. These herbs are best used fresh and added on top of a dish or in the last steps of cooking it. The sprigs can then be removed after stewing for a minute or two and your dish will have an element of freshness that can’t be found from dried herbs.

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]]> What to Do With Herb Stems Instead of Tossing Them https://falafelandcaviar.com/what-to-do-with-herb-stems-instead-of-tossing-them/ Fri, 08 May 2020 06:07:00 +0000 https://falafelandcaviar.com/?p=15137 While we all love using herbs when cooking, the herb stems are often neglected and thrown away. If you hate wasting food and want to use what you have to the max, here are our favorite things to do with soft herb stems. Infuse Oils and Vinegar You can use soft stems from herbs like […]

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]]> While we all love using herbs when cooking, the herb stems are often neglected and thrown away. If you hate wasting food and want to use what you have to the max, here are our favorite things to do with soft herb stems.

Infuse Oils and Vinegar

You can use soft stems from herbs like thyme, oregano, sage, and rosemary to infuse oils and vinegar. Once you do that, use the oil and vinegar to give a unique flavor to salads, fish, and many other meals.

Add to Soup

While your soup or broth is cooking, toss in the unused stems of the herbs you’ve been using. They will help you get the richer flavor and you can simply remove them before serving. It doesn’t get much simpler than that!

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HERBY CHICKPEA & NOODLE SOUP . This is a version of Ash Reshteh, a Persian greens, beans & noodle soup. It’s wholesome, nourishing and incredibly flavourful. A particularly hearty soup that is a whole meal by itself. . MEHTHOD for 4: 1 onion thinly chopped, 5 garlic cloves crushed, 100g red lentils/split peas, fresh parsley, fresh coriander, spinach, noodles ( I used rice noodles), limes and a tin of chickpeas. 👉 1⃣ Add oil, garlic, onion to a pan for 20 mins till golden brown. Stir in turmeric and salt/pepper (Reserve some of the mix). To the pan add the chickpeas and lentils, then simmer for 30 mins with veg stock. Add herbs, spinach for another 5 mins then the noodles till cooked. At the end stir through lime juice and yoghurt if you’d like and the reserved garlic/onion mix. . . . . #chickpeas #chickpearecipes #soup #souprecipe #chickpeasoup #noodles #noodlesoup #persianfood #ashreshteh #herbs #plantbased #greens #vegancomfortfood #wholefoods #veganeats #nourishingbowl #bowlfood #healthylunchideas #eatyourgreens #realfoodie #goodfood #studentfoodie #foodbloggeruk

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Add to Sauces

If you finely chop the stems, you can add them to sauces, but also to various other foods. Stems are just as flavorful as the leaves and there’s no reason not to add them to veggie burgers, salads, frittatas, and more.

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]]> Herbs to Grow in Your Own Home https://falafelandcaviar.com/herbs-to-grow-in-your-own-home/ Thu, 20 Feb 2020 09:08:00 +0000 https://falafelandcaviar.com/?p=14243 Growing herbs at home is so in vogue these days. As more and more people recognize the value of fresh, home-grown herbs and the flavor and scent boost that they can give to a wide variety of dishes, it’s becoming more and more common to grow these small plants at home. Do you live in […]

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]]> Growing herbs at home is so in vogue these days. As more and more people recognize the value of fresh, home-grown herbs and the flavor and scent boost that they can give to a wide variety of dishes, it’s becoming more and more common to grow these small plants at home.

Do you live in an apartment or in a place where you might not be able to grow these herbs outside? No worries! Here are three herbs that are easy to grow in your own home.

Parsley

Parsley, a Mediterranean herb that is aromatic and delicious, can easily be grown at home. All you have to do is place this herb in a spot that receives sunlight, such as next to a window and keep the soil moist regularly. 

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• Follow us and get daily houseplant care guides •⁠ ✨ PARSLEY ✨⁠ 💦 Don't let the soil dry out, water about twice a week.⁠ 🌞 Thrives in direct sunlight, south facing window.⁠ 🍼 Fertilize every other watering with a half-strength liquid fertilizer.⁠ PRO TIP: Parsley is an annual plant, and thrives from spring to summer and will die at winter 😲⁠ ▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃⁠ Who could use a potted parsley for food seasoning?⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ 📸 by @sparksidephotographyforfoodies⁠ #parsley #parsleyplant #houseplantcare #houseplants #plantsofinstagram #plantsmakepeoplehappy #plants #indoorplants #urbanjungle #plantstyling #houseplantclub #plantlife #plantlove #urbanjunglebloggers #plantgoals #plantstagram #indoorjungle #greenisthenewblack #officeplants #natureindoors #plantsarefriends #houseplantsofinstagram #plantmom #houseplant #instagardener #gardeningisfun #greenfingers

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Basil

Ever dreamed of making your own home-made pesto? Start growing your own basil at home! All you need is a warm place inside of your residence that receives plenty of sunlight. Keep the soil moist by watering every day or two and you will find that basil is an easy option to grow at home.

Rosemary

Of all the herbs on Earth, we love the smell of rosemary the most. Be sure not to overwater this plant or place it in a dark place, as this will prevent its growth. With a little bit of attention and care, you’ll be able to add fresh rosemary to your dishes, making a stunning statement.

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]]> How Long Do Spices Stay Fresh? https://falafelandcaviar.com/how-long-do-spices-stay-fresh/ Thu, 13 Feb 2020 12:24:00 +0000 https://falafelandcaviar.com/?p=14102 Are you a spice lover? Having a wide variety of these flavor-packed ingredients in your kitchen is a great way to ensure that your meals will never be boring. It’s easy to have a cabinet full of spices, but are you paying attention to the freshness of these ingredients? A key to always ensuring that […]

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]]> Are you a spice lover? Having a wide variety of these flavor-packed ingredients in your kitchen is a great way to ensure that your meals will never be boring.

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🇬🇧I recently did an article for the local paper, an introduction to spices kind of thing. It was also a little practice in taking better photos, something I must work on this year. I chose these 7 spices as storecupboard essentials for Indian cookery. Cardamom and cinnamon for flavouring rice, cumin and coriander to be freshly ground, turmeric, chilli powder and garam masala. I reckon you can't go wrong with this lot when cooking a simple curry with rice. 🇫🇷 7 épices essentielles pour la cuisson du curry et du riz pilaf – Cardamome vert, coriandre, cumin, cannelle, garam masala, piment, curcuma #spices #indianspices #freshspices #cardamom #corianderseeds #cuminseeds #cinnamon #garammasala #chillipowder #turmeric #indiancooking #indiancookeryclasses #epicesindiennes #epices #epicesdumonde #cardamome #cannelle #curcuma #atelierdecuisineindienne #coursdecuisineindienne #cuisineindienne

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It’s easy to have a cabinet full of spices, but are you paying attention to the freshness of these ingredients? A key to always ensuring that your dishes stay delicious is to do your best to maintain the maximum level of freshness in your spice kitchen.

Unfortunately, it’s far too easy to keep certain little-used spices in your cabinet without touching them for months, or even years. We recently found some white pepper in our spice cabinet that hadn’t been touched for over 5 years!

So, how long do spices stay fresh until you need to replace them with new ones?

As a general rule, there are three different guidelines to follow to know how long spices stay good.

If we are talking about whole spices, they will usually be good after being purchased for about 4 to 5 years. This includes things like cinnamon sticks and whole pepper kernels.

Ground spices don’t stay fresh for quite so long. In fact, they usually lose their aroma and flavor about 2 to 3 years after being sold.

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💥NEW COLLECTION!💥 Here’s a peek at the FIRST Spicewalla Collection of 2020, For the Health of It! Featuring 6 gorgeous, good-for-ya spices chosen for their tried and true health benefits (release date TBD). We’ll be talking more about these spices in the coming weeks and how they can be used to support wellness (they’re good for more than cheffing up your favorite meal, promise!). And keep an eye out this month for special features on recipes, collections, and other spices we think should be on deck in your kitchen year-round…ya know, just for the health of it! 😘⁣ ⁣ ALSO! Anyone (visually) know spices like the back of their hand? The first person to guess all 6 spices shown here, IN ORDER (left to right), will get their very own, For the Health of It Collection!…Fo’ FREE! Drop your best guess(es) in the comments. 🙌 Ya have till Sunday, 11:59pm! Good luck!

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Dried herbs aren’t technically spices, but they are often grouped in the same category and kept in the same place in your kitchen. However, they are the shortest-lived option, staying fresh for only about 1 to 2 years.

So, start paying attention to the freshness of your herbs and spices if you want to keep your dishes delicious!

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]]> The Difference Between Herbs and Spices https://falafelandcaviar.com/the-difference-between-herbs-and-spices/ Fri, 27 Dec 2019 10:33:53 +0000 https://falafelandcaviar.com/?p=13171 We all know that herbs and spices add a ton of flavor to food, but what exactly is the difference between these two groups?  Nearly all of our favorite meals would be completely different if it weren’t for herbs and spices. Some cuisines rely on them so much that their food would become completely unrecognizable […]

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]]> We all know that herbs and spices add a ton of flavor to food, but what exactly is the difference between these two groups? 

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𝑰𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒗𝒊𝒔𝒊𝒕 𝑴𝒐𝒓𝒐𝒄𝒄𝒐 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒉𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝑶𝑵𝑬 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒘𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒊𝒕 𝒃𝒆?🇲🇦 #placedesepices#marrakechmedina#chasingdreamyplaces . . ❀Some useful things have always been my go-to travel souvenirs. While I was walking the souks (traditional markets) in Marrakech I fell in love with the stalls oferring herbs and spices of so many bright colours🧡💛💚💙❤ So it’s not hard to guess what my souvenir from Morocco is. Tell me what would be yours?😉 There are more than 3000 stalls in Marrakech medina selling everything from tagines, lamps and Berber carpets to scarves, spices and Moroccan pastries.The souks are crazy, chaotic and stressfull and you will for sure get lost and you will have to bargain, but it’s the best way how to see the real Marrakech🇲🇦 TIP: The souks are opened from 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. but most of them are closed on Fridays❀ . . #souksofmarrakech#travelmorocco#feelmorocco#unlimitedmorocco#lovemarrakech#moroccotravel#exploremorocco#visitmarrakech#instamarrakech#morocco_vacations#discovermorocco#instamorocco#inmarrakech#mydearmorocco#simplymorocco#northafrica#colourful#travelmorocco#inmorocco#travelpassion#moroccanspices#marrakeshstyle#herbsandspices#sheisnotlost#medinamarrakech#marrakechcity#moroccostyle

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Nearly all of our favorite meals would be completely different if it weren’t for herbs and spices. Some cuisines rely on them so much that their food would become completely unrecognizable in case they stopped using them. Food without herbs and spices is often bland and boring. Spices were even used in ancient Egypt and scientists have reasons to believe they existed for over 3,000 years.

But the definitions of herbs and spices can be confusing, which is why it’s difficult to determine the differences between them. Herbs are produced by herb plants and typically the leaves of those plants are used in the culinary world as herbs. Those leaves can be fresh or dried, whole or chopped, and the flavor they offer is relatively subtle.

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~ ~~~ Spices ~~~ Spices are extremely taste enhancing, rich in flavour, bright in colour, as well as being individually powerful, with many medicinal advantages due to their ability to produce anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antimicrobial, antifungal and antioxidant compounds. This includes vitamins and minerals, which are: • Beta-carotene • Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) • Calcium • Flavonoids • Fibre • Iron • Niacin • Potassium • Zinc and are rich in phytochemicals. ~~~ An overall example of the benefits of spices are: • Digestive disorders • Weight management • Diabetes • Lowering blood sugar levels • Some can improve brain function and memory • May help to reduce nausea • Fight infections • Prevent allergies • Help rid of H, pylori • Improve Cardiovascular health. ~~~ They all act differently and are effective, some you would combine in order to be better absorbed by the body. ~~~ Some spices increase the hydrochloric secretion of the stomach which produces blood flow and mucus lining. ~~~ They are a phenomenal contribution to health and wellness that go beyond seasoning food. . . . . #spices #indianspices #moroccanspices #freshspices #healthyspices #healingspices #spicesandherbs #herbsandspices #organicspices #spicesofindia #healthtips #holisticproducts #holisticwellness #holisticlife #holistichealth #holisticnutrition #holistichealing #holisticlifestyle #antioxidants #antibacterial #antiinflammatory #antifungal #antimicrobial #betacarotene #niacin #allergies #potassium #weightlosstips #zinc #calcium

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On the other hand, spices are usually made of seeds, fruits, fruits, or flowers of plants. They come in many different colors, such as red, brown, and yellow, while herbs are mostly green. The same plant can provide both herbs and spices.

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]]> Five Herbs You Can Easily Grow at Home https://falafelandcaviar.com/five-herbs-you-can-easily-grow-at-home/ Sat, 13 Jul 2019 12:02:17 +0000 https://falafelandcaviar.com/?p=8410 When cooking, lots of people use herbs and spices to give food a more lively and rich flavor. While most people purchase these ingredients at a store in a dried format, did you know that you can grow many of these herbs and spices at home and use them fresh? Here are five suggestions for […]

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]]> When cooking, lots of people use herbs and spices to give food a more lively and rich flavor. While most people purchase these ingredients at a store in a dried format, did you know that you can grow many of these herbs and spices at home and use them fresh?

Here are five suggestions for herbs that you can easily grow at home to give home-grown flavor to your dishes.

Rosemary

Rosemary is great in Italian cooking, and it’s super easy to grow at home. Its fragrant aroma and delicate taste will add a tasty touch to your meat dishes.

Mint

Mint can also be grown at home in a pot, so it doesn’t take over your garden. It’s great in tea as well as in drinks like mojitos.

Dill

This herb is another great addition to grow at home. In addition to its use in Eastern European and Middle Eastern cuisine, it also produces delicate yellow flowers.

Basil

https://www.instagram.com/p/BxdFvZQiry7/

Love pesto and Italian food in general? You won’t regret planting basil in your garden. It adds flair to dishes like caprese salads and to pasta sauce.

Thyme

Thyme is an interesting herb that’s actually quite similar to a less pungent mint. You can experiment with this one in a lot of ways in the kitchen!

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]]> 6 Vitamins and Minerals Parsley Has https://falafelandcaviar.com/6-vitamins-and-minerals-parsley-has/ Wed, 10 Jul 2019 08:49:51 +0000 https://falafelandcaviar.com/?p=9505 Parsley is a herb that tastes great in soups and many other dishes, but there’s much more to it than just the taste. It’s packed with vitamins and minerals and, even though you typically don’t eat a lot of it, can help you satisfy your daily needs for some valuable nutrients. The vitamins you can […]

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]]> Parsley is a herb that tastes great in soups and many other dishes, but there’s much more to it than just the taste. It’s packed with vitamins and minerals and, even though you typically don’t eat a lot of it, can help you satisfy your daily needs for some valuable nutrients.

The vitamins you can find in parsley include vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin K. Besides them, there are also some important minerals, such as iron, potassium, and folic acid.

Parsley is great for regulating high blood pressure. It can also help you beat inflammatory diseases and various allergies. Due to the beta-carotene content, it’s great for your eyes. High potassium levels will help prevent bone fracture.

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]]> ersion="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?> Herbs Archives - falafelandcaviar.com Thu, 07 Mar 2024 15:05:18 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.2 Why You Should Grow Your Own Basil https://falafelandcaviar.com/why-you-should-grow-your-own-basil/ Fri, 08 Mar 2024 16:42:00 +0000 https://falafelandcaviar.com/?p=19739 Prepare to immerse yourself in the realm of fresh flavors and aromatic wonders, with what is about to become your latest culinary obsession: basil! Growing it at home, that is. Here is why cultivating your own basil at home will be the most gratifying hobby you’ve taken on in a while. Superior Flavor Indulge in […]

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]]> Prepare to immerse yourself in the realm of fresh flavors and aromatic wonders, with what is about to become your latest culinary obsession: basil! Growing it at home, that is. Here is why cultivating your own basil at home will be the most gratifying hobby you’ve taken on in a while.

Superior Flavor

Indulge in the unmatched, zesty taste of homegrown basil plucked straight from your garden (or planter). Nurturing your own basil unlocks access to premium leaves filled with essential oils and flavor compounds, enriching your pasta, salads, and even cocktails!

Endless Variety

From traditional Genovese basil to exotic Thai and lemon basil variations, the basil world offers an extensive array of flavors and aromas waiting to be discovered. Experiment with different cultivars to uncover your favorites and add them to your culinary creations.

Cost-Effective and Convenient

Bid farewell to expensive store-bought basil and say hi to the budget-friendly convenience of homegrown herbs. With minimal space and effort required, growing basil at home becomes a practical solution, ensuring a constant supply of fresh ingredients at your fingertips.

Sustainable and Rewarding

Last but not least, cultivating your own basil organically at home helps you embrace sustainability. Just imagine it: All the calm of tending to your garden, added to the satisfaction of homegrown ingredients in your dishes—not many things compare.

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]]> Three Great Ways to Elevate a Rice Dish https://falafelandcaviar.com/three-great-ways-to-elevate-a-rice-dish/ Thu, 14 Dec 2023 16:25:00 +0000 https://falafelandcaviar.com/?p=18815 Rice is a very common side dish across the world commonly served alongside meat, chicken, fish, and curries. However, when cooked or spiced right, one has the ability to transform any rice from just a side piece to the main event. Keep reading for a few culinary suggestions to elevate your rice. Toppings Add a […]

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]]> Rice is a very common side dish across the world commonly served alongside meat, chicken, fish, and curries. However, when cooked or spiced right, one has the ability to transform any rice from just a side piece to the main event. Keep reading for a few culinary suggestions to elevate your rice.

Toppings

Add a variety of delicious toppings to your rice such as dried fruit, slivered nuts, and spice blends. Many Mediterranean stores sell spice blends and rice toppings that are amazing on top of cooked rice or even cooked with the rice. This toppings have the ability to transform an ordinary rice into a unique culinary experience.

Spices

Cook your rice with several aromatic spices such as turmeric, cumin seeds, and paprika. When cooked with the crunchy rice before adding the water, the rice will take on the flavor of anything you put into it. This is a great way to create a side dish that matches the flavors of what your serving!

Veggies and Meat

Cook your rice with various veggies or meat to make the ultimate one-pot experience. This is an exceptional way to not only reduce the amount of kitchen ware you’ll have to wash later, but will also transform your rice into a heavenly comfort food.

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]]> The Easiest Herbs to Grow at Home https://falafelandcaviar.com/the-easiest-herbs-to-grow-at-home/ Tue, 14 Sep 2021 12:49:00 +0000 https://falafelandcaviar.com/?p=16299 Herbs are an essential part of baking, and one thing that can really add to a dish is when they are completely fresh. Luckily, many herbs are easy to grow and can be maintained in a small, manageable pot so it can be done even without a full garden or any outdoor space. Growing your […]

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]]> Herbs are an essential part of baking, and one thing that can really add to a dish is when they are completely fresh. Luckily, many herbs are easy to grow and can be maintained in a small, manageable pot so it can be done even without a full garden or any outdoor space. Growing your own herbs can also help save money and is more convenient than buying from the store. Here are some of the bet herbs to grow at home.

Thyme

Thyme is great for growing in a pot at home, because it does well when it’s sheltered from the elements. It needs direct sunlight, so it’s perfect for a pot to sit on your windowsill. It can grow throughout the year, and there are multiple strains you can choose from like lemon and wooly, so it gives you some variety as well.

Mint

Mint is one of the most common home-grown herbs, both peppermint and spearmint. It grows like a weed so it isn’t too hard to help flourish. It can grow in sun or shade, inside or outside. If you plant it in a garden, be sure to keep an eye out because it will spread just like a weed.

Oregano

Oregano is great for home growth because it grows back thicker as you harvest it. It grows year-round in sun or some shade, so it’s another great option for a windowsill or even a spot that doesn’t get direct sunlight.

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]]> When to Use Dried Herbs Vs. Fresh Herbs https://falafelandcaviar.com/when-to-use-dried-herbs-vs-fresh-herbs/ Tue, 14 Sep 2021 10:34:00 +0000 https://falafelandcaviar.com/?p=16300 Herbs like parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme are a great way to add flavor and depth to your cooking. But you may not always have fresh herbs on hand. And sometimes dried herbs, which can be kept on your shelf for up to two years if stored properly, are even a better option. There are […]

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]]> Herbs like parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme are a great way to add flavor and depth to your cooking. But you may not always have fresh herbs on hand. And sometimes dried herbs, which can be kept on your shelf for up to two years if stored properly, are even a better option. There are a few rules to keep in mind when cooking with herbs. Here are some tips for the best way to use both dried and fresh herbs.

In general, an herb’s flavor gets more potent as it dries. As such, you’ll want to use less when using dried herbs than fresh ones: usually one teaspoon dried to one tablespoon of fresh herbs. Fresh herbs are particularly good as a garnish on top of a dish while dried herbs are more often used during the cooking process. However, you can use either in either case. A sprig of fresh herbs is also easier to remove later than chopped-up dried herbs if you want a smooth or unified consistency.

Different types of herbs may be better dried and others better fresh. Herbs like rosemary and bay leaves, where the potent flavor is best infused into the dish are better added dried during cooking. Bay leaves are often dried whole, so they can still be removed later.

Other herbs are more commonly used to add freshness along with flavors such as mint, basil, or cilantro. These herbs are best used fresh and added on top of a dish or in the last steps of cooking it. The sprigs can then be removed after stewing for a minute or two and your dish will have an element of freshness that can’t be found from dried herbs.

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]]> What to Do With Herb Stems Instead of Tossing Them https://falafelandcaviar.com/what-to-do-with-herb-stems-instead-of-tossing-them/ Fri, 08 May 2020 06:07:00 +0000 https://falafelandcaviar.com/?p=15137 While we all love using herbs when cooking, the herb stems are often neglected and thrown away. If you hate wasting food and want to use what you have to the max, here are our favorite things to do with soft herb stems. Infuse Oils and Vinegar You can use soft stems from herbs like […]

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]]> While we all love using herbs when cooking, the herb stems are often neglected and thrown away. If you hate wasting food and want to use what you have to the max, here are our favorite things to do with soft herb stems.

Infuse Oils and Vinegar

You can use soft stems from herbs like thyme, oregano, sage, and rosemary to infuse oils and vinegar. Once you do that, use the oil and vinegar to give a unique flavor to salads, fish, and many other meals.

Add to Soup

While your soup or broth is cooking, toss in the unused stems of the herbs you’ve been using. They will help you get the richer flavor and you can simply remove them before serving. It doesn’t get much simpler than that!

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HERBY CHICKPEA & NOODLE SOUP . This is a version of Ash Reshteh, a Persian greens, beans & noodle soup. It’s wholesome, nourishing and incredibly flavourful. A particularly hearty soup that is a whole meal by itself. . MEHTHOD for 4: 1 onion thinly chopped, 5 garlic cloves crushed, 100g red lentils/split peas, fresh parsley, fresh coriander, spinach, noodles ( I used rice noodles), limes and a tin of chickpeas. 👉 1⃣ Add oil, garlic, onion to a pan for 20 mins till golden brown. Stir in turmeric and salt/pepper (Reserve some of the mix). To the pan add the chickpeas and lentils, then simmer for 30 mins with veg stock. Add herbs, spinach for another 5 mins then the noodles till cooked. At the end stir through lime juice and yoghurt if you’d like and the reserved garlic/onion mix. . . . . #chickpeas #chickpearecipes #soup #souprecipe #chickpeasoup #noodles #noodlesoup #persianfood #ashreshteh #herbs #plantbased #greens #vegancomfortfood #wholefoods #veganeats #nourishingbowl #bowlfood #healthylunchideas #eatyourgreens #realfoodie #goodfood #studentfoodie #foodbloggeruk

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Add to Sauces

If you finely chop the stems, you can add them to sauces, but also to various other foods. Stems are just as flavorful as the leaves and there’s no reason not to add them to veggie burgers, salads, frittatas, and more.

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]]> Herbs to Grow in Your Own Home https://falafelandcaviar.com/herbs-to-grow-in-your-own-home/ Thu, 20 Feb 2020 09:08:00 +0000 https://falafelandcaviar.com/?p=14243 Growing herbs at home is so in vogue these days. As more and more people recognize the value of fresh, home-grown herbs and the flavor and scent boost that they can give to a wide variety of dishes, it’s becoming more and more common to grow these small plants at home. Do you live in […]

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]]> Growing herbs at home is so in vogue these days. As more and more people recognize the value of fresh, home-grown herbs and the flavor and scent boost that they can give to a wide variety of dishes, it’s becoming more and more common to grow these small plants at home.

Do you live in an apartment or in a place where you might not be able to grow these herbs outside? No worries! Here are three herbs that are easy to grow in your own home.

Parsley

Parsley, a Mediterranean herb that is aromatic and delicious, can easily be grown at home. All you have to do is place this herb in a spot that receives sunlight, such as next to a window and keep the soil moist regularly. 

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• Follow us and get daily houseplant care guides •⁠ ✨ PARSLEY ✨⁠ 💦 Don't let the soil dry out, water about twice a week.⁠ 🌞 Thrives in direct sunlight, south facing window.⁠ 🍼 Fertilize every other watering with a half-strength liquid fertilizer.⁠ PRO TIP: Parsley is an annual plant, and thrives from spring to summer and will die at winter 😲⁠ ▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃⁠ Who could use a potted parsley for food seasoning?⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ 📸 by @sparksidephotographyforfoodies⁠ #parsley #parsleyplant #houseplantcare #houseplants #plantsofinstagram #plantsmakepeoplehappy #plants #indoorplants #urbanjungle #plantstyling #houseplantclub #plantlife #plantlove #urbanjunglebloggers #plantgoals #plantstagram #indoorjungle #greenisthenewblack #officeplants #natureindoors #plantsarefriends #houseplantsofinstagram #plantmom #houseplant #instagardener #gardeningisfun #greenfingers

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Basil

Ever dreamed of making your own home-made pesto? Start growing your own basil at home! All you need is a warm place inside of your residence that receives plenty of sunlight. Keep the soil moist by watering every day or two and you will find that basil is an easy option to grow at home.

Rosemary

Of all the herbs on Earth, we love the smell of rosemary the most. Be sure not to overwater this plant or place it in a dark place, as this will prevent its growth. With a little bit of attention and care, you’ll be able to add fresh rosemary to your dishes, making a stunning statement.

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]]> How Long Do Spices Stay Fresh? https://falafelandcaviar.com/how-long-do-spices-stay-fresh/ Thu, 13 Feb 2020 12:24:00 +0000 https://falafelandcaviar.com/?p=14102 Are you a spice lover? Having a wide variety of these flavor-packed ingredients in your kitchen is a great way to ensure that your meals will never be boring. It’s easy to have a cabinet full of spices, but are you paying attention to the freshness of these ingredients? A key to always ensuring that […]

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]]> Are you a spice lover? Having a wide variety of these flavor-packed ingredients in your kitchen is a great way to ensure that your meals will never be boring.

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🇬🇧I recently did an article for the local paper, an introduction to spices kind of thing. It was also a little practice in taking better photos, something I must work on this year. I chose these 7 spices as storecupboard essentials for Indian cookery. Cardamom and cinnamon for flavouring rice, cumin and coriander to be freshly ground, turmeric, chilli powder and garam masala. I reckon you can't go wrong with this lot when cooking a simple curry with rice. 🇫🇷 7 épices essentielles pour la cuisson du curry et du riz pilaf – Cardamome vert, coriandre, cumin, cannelle, garam masala, piment, curcuma #spices #indianspices #freshspices #cardamom #corianderseeds #cuminseeds #cinnamon #garammasala #chillipowder #turmeric #indiancooking #indiancookeryclasses #epicesindiennes #epices #epicesdumonde #cardamome #cannelle #curcuma #atelierdecuisineindienne #coursdecuisineindienne #cuisineindienne

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It’s easy to have a cabinet full of spices, but are you paying attention to the freshness of these ingredients? A key to always ensuring that your dishes stay delicious is to do your best to maintain the maximum level of freshness in your spice kitchen.

Unfortunately, it’s far too easy to keep certain little-used spices in your cabinet without touching them for months, or even years. We recently found some white pepper in our spice cabinet that hadn’t been touched for over 5 years!

So, how long do spices stay fresh until you need to replace them with new ones?

As a general rule, there are three different guidelines to follow to know how long spices stay good.

If we are talking about whole spices, they will usually be good after being purchased for about 4 to 5 years. This includes things like cinnamon sticks and whole pepper kernels.

Ground spices don’t stay fresh for quite so long. In fact, they usually lose their aroma and flavor about 2 to 3 years after being sold.

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💥NEW COLLECTION!💥 Here’s a peek at the FIRST Spicewalla Collection of 2020, For the Health of It! Featuring 6 gorgeous, good-for-ya spices chosen for their tried and true health benefits (release date TBD). We’ll be talking more about these spices in the coming weeks and how they can be used to support wellness (they’re good for more than cheffing up your favorite meal, promise!). And keep an eye out this month for special features on recipes, collections, and other spices we think should be on deck in your kitchen year-round…ya know, just for the health of it! 😘⁣ ⁣ ALSO! Anyone (visually) know spices like the back of their hand? The first person to guess all 6 spices shown here, IN ORDER (left to right), will get their very own, For the Health of It Collection!…Fo’ FREE! Drop your best guess(es) in the comments. 🙌 Ya have till Sunday, 11:59pm! Good luck!

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Dried herbs aren’t technically spices, but they are often grouped in the same category and kept in the same place in your kitchen. However, they are the shortest-lived option, staying fresh for only about 1 to 2 years.

So, start paying attention to the freshness of your herbs and spices if you want to keep your dishes delicious!

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]]> The Difference Between Herbs and Spices https://falafelandcaviar.com/the-difference-between-herbs-and-spices/ Fri, 27 Dec 2019 10:33:53 +0000 https://falafelandcaviar.com/?p=13171 We all know that herbs and spices add a ton of flavor to food, but what exactly is the difference between these two groups?  Nearly all of our favorite meals would be completely different if it weren’t for herbs and spices. Some cuisines rely on them so much that their food would become completely unrecognizable […]

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]]> We all know that herbs and spices add a ton of flavor to food, but what exactly is the difference between these two groups? 

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𝑰𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒗𝒊𝒔𝒊𝒕 𝑴𝒐𝒓𝒐𝒄𝒄𝒐 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒉𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝑶𝑵𝑬 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒘𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒊𝒕 𝒃𝒆?🇲🇦 #placedesepices#marrakechmedina#chasingdreamyplaces . . ❀Some useful things have always been my go-to travel souvenirs. While I was walking the souks (traditional markets) in Marrakech I fell in love with the stalls oferring herbs and spices of so many bright colours🧡💛💚💙❤ So it’s not hard to guess what my souvenir from Morocco is. Tell me what would be yours?😉 There are more than 3000 stalls in Marrakech medina selling everything from tagines, lamps and Berber carpets to scarves, spices and Moroccan pastries.The souks are crazy, chaotic and stressfull and you will for sure get lost and you will have to bargain, but it’s the best way how to see the real Marrakech🇲🇦 TIP: The souks are opened from 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. but most of them are closed on Fridays❀ . . #souksofmarrakech#travelmorocco#feelmorocco#unlimitedmorocco#lovemarrakech#moroccotravel#exploremorocco#visitmarrakech#instamarrakech#morocco_vacations#discovermorocco#instamorocco#inmarrakech#mydearmorocco#simplymorocco#northafrica#colourful#travelmorocco#inmorocco#travelpassion#moroccanspices#marrakeshstyle#herbsandspices#sheisnotlost#medinamarrakech#marrakechcity#moroccostyle

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Nearly all of our favorite meals would be completely different if it weren’t for herbs and spices. Some cuisines rely on them so much that their food would become completely unrecognizable in case they stopped using them. Food without herbs and spices is often bland and boring. Spices were even used in ancient Egypt and scientists have reasons to believe they existed for over 3,000 years.

But the definitions of herbs and spices can be confusing, which is why it’s difficult to determine the differences between them. Herbs are produced by herb plants and typically the leaves of those plants are used in the culinary world as herbs. Those leaves can be fresh or dried, whole or chopped, and the flavor they offer is relatively subtle.

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~ ~~~ Spices ~~~ Spices are extremely taste enhancing, rich in flavour, bright in colour, as well as being individually powerful, with many medicinal advantages due to their ability to produce anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antimicrobial, antifungal and antioxidant compounds. This includes vitamins and minerals, which are: • Beta-carotene • Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) • Calcium • Flavonoids • Fibre • Iron • Niacin • Potassium • Zinc and are rich in phytochemicals. ~~~ An overall example of the benefits of spices are: • Digestive disorders • Weight management • Diabetes • Lowering blood sugar levels • Some can improve brain function and memory • May help to reduce nausea • Fight infections • Prevent allergies • Help rid of H, pylori • Improve Cardiovascular health. ~~~ They all act differently and are effective, some you would combine in order to be better absorbed by the body. ~~~ Some spices increase the hydrochloric secretion of the stomach which produces blood flow and mucus lining. ~~~ They are a phenomenal contribution to health and wellness that go beyond seasoning food. . . . . #spices #indianspices #moroccanspices #freshspices #healthyspices #healingspices #spicesandherbs #herbsandspices #organicspices #spicesofindia #healthtips #holisticproducts #holisticwellness #holisticlife #holistichealth #holisticnutrition #holistichealing #holisticlifestyle #antioxidants #antibacterial #antiinflammatory #antifungal #antimicrobial #betacarotene #niacin #allergies #potassium #weightlosstips #zinc #calcium

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On the other hand, spices are usually made of seeds, fruits, fruits, or flowers of plants. They come in many different colors, such as red, brown, and yellow, while herbs are mostly green. The same plant can provide both herbs and spices.

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]]> Five Herbs You Can Easily Grow at Home https://falafelandcaviar.com/five-herbs-you-can-easily-grow-at-home/ Sat, 13 Jul 2019 12:02:17 +0000 https://falafelandcaviar.com/?p=8410 When cooking, lots of people use herbs and spices to give food a more lively and rich flavor. While most people purchase these ingredients at a store in a dried format, did you know that you can grow many of these herbs and spices at home and use them fresh? Here are five suggestions for […]

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]]> When cooking, lots of people use herbs and spices to give food a more lively and rich flavor. While most people purchase these ingredients at a store in a dried format, did you know that you can grow many of these herbs and spices at home and use them fresh?

Here are five suggestions for herbs that you can easily grow at home to give home-grown flavor to your dishes.

Rosemary

Rosemary is great in Italian cooking, and it’s super easy to grow at home. Its fragrant aroma and delicate taste will add a tasty touch to your meat dishes.

Mint

Mint can also be grown at home in a pot, so it doesn’t take over your garden. It’s great in tea as well as in drinks like mojitos.

Dill

This herb is another great addition to grow at home. In addition to its use in Eastern European and Middle Eastern cuisine, it also produces delicate yellow flowers.

Basil

https://www.instagram.com/p/BxdFvZQiry7/

Love pesto and Italian food in general? You won’t regret planting basil in your garden. It adds flair to dishes like caprese salads and to pasta sauce.

Thyme

Thyme is an interesting herb that’s actually quite similar to a less pungent mint. You can experiment with this one in a lot of ways in the kitchen!

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]]> 6 Vitamins and Minerals Parsley Has https://falafelandcaviar.com/6-vitamins-and-minerals-parsley-has/ Wed, 10 Jul 2019 08:49:51 +0000 https://falafelandcaviar.com/?p=9505 Parsley is a herb that tastes great in soups and many other dishes, but there’s much more to it than just the taste. It’s packed with vitamins and minerals and, even though you typically don’t eat a lot of it, can help you satisfy your daily needs for some valuable nutrients. The vitamins you can […]

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]]> Parsley is a herb that tastes great in soups and many other dishes, but there’s much more to it than just the taste. It’s packed with vitamins and minerals and, even though you typically don’t eat a lot of it, can help you satisfy your daily needs for some valuable nutrients.

The vitamins you can find in parsley include vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin K. Besides them, there are also some important minerals, such as iron, potassium, and folic acid.

Parsley is great for regulating high blood pressure. It can also help you beat inflammatory diseases and various allergies. Due to the beta-carotene content, it’s great for your eyes. High potassium levels will help prevent bone fracture.

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