How to freeze parsley, nutrition, and 5 easy recipes! [Solved with photos! ]

Did you know that parsley, which is known for its curly leaves, can be preserved by freezing?

What's more, the method is very simple, requires almost no effort, and can be completed in less than 5 minutes.

"There are many bunches of parsley in one bag, so even if you buy them, you won't be able to use them all."

Once you learn how to freeze and preserve parsley, you can quickly solve these problems and be able to buy large quantities of parsley from the vegetable section of the supermarket.

Please take advantage of the methods we will introduce this time and live a comfortable life with parsley.

parsley nutrition

When you think of parsley, you may only think of it as a garnish for food.

Even if you see it on the table, it's only served as a side dish to fried chicken or sprinkled on top of soup, and it's true that people rarely eat it.

However, parsley is actually rich in nutrients.

It's hard to notice because the amount you ingest at a time is so small, but for example, lemons contain more vitamin C than lemons.

So, first of all, let's talk about the nutritional value and efficacy of parsley.

Nutritional value and calories of parsley

Among the nutritional values of parsley, the following are abundant (all in 100g).

・β-carotene 7400μg
・Vitamin B1 0.12mg
・Vitamin B2 0.24mg
・Vitamin C 120mg
・Calcium 290mg
・Potassium 1000mg
・Iron 7.5mg
・Folic acid 220μg
・(Calorie 44kcal)

Source: “All Guide Food Composition Table 2015 (based on Japan Food Standard Composition Table 2010)

These nutrients are by far the best when compared to other foods.

For example, carrots contain around 9000μg of β-carotene per 100g, while parsley has a similar amount.

As for vitamin C, which I mentioned earlier, lemon contains about 100mg per 100g, while parsley contains 120mg per 100g.

In addition to the nutrients listed above, parsley also contains ingredients such as ``pinene'' and ``apiol,'' and these ingredients create the unique flavor and aroma of parsley.

As you can see, although parsley is not often eaten, it is an extremely high-quality ingredient in terms of nutritional value.

Effects of parsley

The fact that it is rich in nutrients also means that it has a variety of benefits.

Here, we will introduce some of the various benefits that parsley has.

·Anti-Aging
・Obesity prevention
・Stress reduction effect

First, let's talk about anti-aging.

The β-carotene in parsley is said to have ``antioxidant effects.''

When active oxygen damages cells in the human body, aging progresses from there, but the "antioxidant effect" of β-carotene can suppress the action of active oxygen.

"Suppressing the action of active oxygen → preventing cell damage → anti-aging"

In addition, vitamin C is said to have the ability to repair body tissues, and can be expected to have a ``skin beautifying effect'' by speeding up the recovery of skin spots, wrinkles, and scratches.

Next, let's talk about obesity prevention.

This is due to the vitamins B1 and B2 contained in parsley.

Vitamins B1 and B2 are said to have the ability to convert the three major nutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, and fats) into energy.

B1 is said to be good at converting carbohydrates into energy, and B2 is good at converting fat.

By ingesting enough B1 and B2, the conversion from nutrition to energy can be performed smoothly, and it can be prevented from accumulating in the body as fat.

Since fat is less likely to accumulate, it becomes less likely that you will become obese, which will also help prevent lifestyle-related diseases.

Lastly, let's talk about stress reduction.

This is due to the calcium and iron contained in parsley.

It is a well-known story that a lack of calcium causes stress, but parsley is rich in calcium, so it is effective in reducing stress.

In addition, iron, which is also rich in iron, improves anemia (especially for women during menstruation), improving blood circulation and reducing stress.

Benefits of freezing parsley

Allows long-term storage

The biggest advantage of freezing parsley is that it significantly extends its shelf life.

Normally, if you store parsley in the refrigerator, it will start to wilt within a week.

However, by taking just 5 minutes to freeze it, you can preserve it for more than half a month (and still maintain some freshness).

Parsley is packed in bags and is difficult to use up, but by freezing it, you can use it up with plenty of time.

easier to shatter

When using parsley, many people pulverize it before using it.

Some people use a knife to chop them, while others use a food processor.

Another advantage of freezing parsley is that it greatly saves you the trouble of pulverizing it.

If you follow a certain procedure and then freeze the parsley, you will be able to break it into crispy pieces just by rubbing it with your hands.

Of course, crushed parsley can be used as is for cooking, and you can take it out as much as you want, when you need it.

The advantage of freezing parsley is that it not only extends the shelf life, but also saves you the trouble of actually cooking it, and above all, allows you to easily use parsley.

How to freeze parsley

Freezing parsley is very easy and simple.

The trick to good storage is to wipe off the moisture before freezing.

This way, the quality of the ingredients can be maintained for a long period of time.

Freeze raw

1) Wash the parsley with water and pat dry.

2) Peel only the leaves from the parsley.

3) Wrap it in a long strip of plastic wrap, put it in a freezer bag, and freeze it.

4) Once frozen, crush the parsley wrapped in plastic wrap, pulverize the parsley inside, and return to the freezer bag.

How to thaw parsley and how long to store it

Next, we will look at how long frozen parsley can be stored and how to thaw it.

How to thaw parsley

Frozen parsley can be used in cooking while still frozen.

If you chop it up and freeze it, you can use it as is for cooking.

Even if you freeze it raw, if you rub it in your hands while it's frozen, you can break it up into small pieces, so you can easily use it in soups, pasta, etc.

Parsley storage period

Frozen parsley has a shelf life of approximately 3 weeks.

However, repeating thawing and freezing is not good for the quality, so be sure to quickly take out only the amount you will use.

A common problem with frozen storage is ``When did I freeze this?'', which is the problem of not knowing when it first started freezing.

To prevent this from happening, we recommend writing the date of freezing on the freezer bag.

Once you do this, you will be able to check the date every time you take out the bag, which will avoid problems like the one above.

>> 3 points to keep in mind when preserving vegetables

A nutritionist explains! About nutrition

Parsley is not a garnish
Parsley has a strong impression of being used as a garnish for dishes. It is also said to be disliked by its unique strong aroma and bitter taste.

However, parsley is extremely rich in nutrients. It is rich in minerals such as iron, which prevents anemia, potassium, which improves swelling and has a diuretic effect, and calcium, which strengthens bones.

It also contains beta-carotene, which has an antioxidant effect, and vitamin C, which has beauty effects.

What is Apiol?
It is a unique aromatic component of parsley. It can be expected to be effective in preventing bad breath and increasing appetite.

How to choose celery
1. Something that is firm from stem to leaf
2. Leaves with fresh, green tips

*If the leaves are turning yellow or dry, they are less fresh.

Recommended way to eat
Rather than just using parsley as an garnish, you can chop it up and mix it into soups and sauces, or mix it with breadcrumbs to make a batter when frying to make it easier to eat. Furthermore, absorption of fat-soluble vitamins such as beta-carotene and vitamin E is also promoted.

また、パセリバターにしておくと簡単です。作り方は簡単で刻んだパセリを柔らかくしたバターと混ぜるだけです。それを冷蔵庫で冷やして固め、使いやすいサイズにして冷凍保存しておきましょう☝

Nutritionist Ruri

Obtained nutritionist qualifications from Toita Women's Junior College and graduated from the same university. After graduating from Kyorin University, she also obtained a qualification as a food hygiene manager. Currently at DayBreak Co., Ltd., she oversees various food freezing research and writing informative content about food. Her hobbies are traveling and hula dancing.

5 easy recipes using parsley

Sprinkle with parsley and chirimenjako

Source: https://cookpad.com/recipe/1101954

☑材料（ご飯4合分）
・パセリ　2束
・ちりめんじゃこ　45g
・ごま油　小さじ1
・ごま　40g
・しょうゆ　小さじ1
・塩　小さじ1/2

<How to make>
1) You can use either finely chopped parsley or fresh, frozen parsley.
2) Put sesame oil in a frying pan and when it gets hot, add the chirimenjako.
3) Once the chirimenjako is cooked, add parsley and heat until the moisture evaporates.
4)Finally, add sesame seeds, soy sauce, and salt, mix well, and it's done.

★Be careful not to stir-fry too much after adding parsley, as the color of the finished product will be poor.

Cream pasta with parsley paste

Source: https://cookpad.com/recipe/531152

☑材料（２人分）
・パセリ　1束
・生クリーム　200㏄
・ホタテ　お好みで
・塩こしょう　適量
・バター　大さじ1
・オリーブオイル　大さじ1
・にんにく　1かけ
・パスタ　2人分

<How to make>
1) You can use either finely chopped parsley or fresh, frozen parsley. Finely chop the garlic. Fill a pot with water and boil the pasta.
2) Heat the olive oil and butter in a frying pan and fry the garlic. When it becomes fragrant, add parsley, salt and pepper, and stir-fry until the water evaporates.
3) Add the scallops, stir-fry, and stir in the fresh cream.
4) Add the pasta to the frying pan, and once the pasta and sauce are mixed together, it's done.

★ If you make the sauce in step 2), you can use it not only for pasta but also for meat and fish.
★In addition to scallops, it is also delicious with other seafood.

Grilled cheese with parsley, potatoes and bacon

Source: https://cookpad.com/recipe/3777386

☑材料（２人分）
・じゃがいも　2個
・パセリ　1束
・にんにく　1かけ
・ベーコン　70g
・コンソメスープの素　2かけ
・とろけるチーズ　2~3枚
・オリーブオイル　大さじ1

<How to make>
1) Peel the potatoes, cut them into bite-sized pieces, and boil them in salt.
2) You can use either finely chopped parsley or fresh, frozen parsley. Finely chop the garlic. Cut the bacon into pieces about 1cm wide.
3) Add olive oil and garlic to a heated frying pan, and when fragrant, add bacon.
4) Crush the consommé soup base, add the parsley, and heat over medium heat.
5) Once heated through, turn off the heat and add the salt-boiled potatoes and cheese. Once everything is tied together, it's complete.

★By cooking and mixing with cheese, the aroma of parsley will be greatly reduced.

Apple and parsley soy milk smoothie

Source: https://cookpad.com/recipe/4292020

☑材料（１人分）
・りんご　半分
・パセリ　1本
・豆乳　1/2カップ

<How to make>
1) You can use either roughly chopped apples, finely chopped parsley, or frozen fresh and pulverized pieces.
2) Add soy milk, apples, and parsley to a blender and it's done.

★You can leave the apples with the skin on.
★You can also add cinnamon, ginger, honey, etc. to taste.

Garlic & parsley toast

Source: https://cookpad.com/recipe/2552275

☑材料（１人分）
・食パン　1枚
・パセリ　適量
・ガーリックパウダー　適量
・ピザ用チーズ　適量
・マヨネーズ　適量
・オリーブオイル　適量
・こしょう　適量

<How to make>
1) You can use either finely chopped parsley or fresh, frozen parsley.
2) Spread parsley evenly on the bread and sprinkle with garlic powder and pepper.
3) Top with pizza cheese, sprinkle with mayonnaise, and toast in the toaster.
4) Once it's grilled nicely, sprinkle some olive oil on top and it's done.

★If you like, sprinkle with lemon juice for a refreshing taste.

Conclusion

How do you store parsley in the freezer?

If you use the method I introduced this time, you can store parsley for a long time even if you buy it in bulk.

What's more, if you freeze it raw, it will crumble into crisp pieces just by rubbing it in your hands, making it much easier to use parsley than ever before.

The process of freezing is a simple one that only takes about 2 to 3 minutes, so please try it next time you buy parsley.

>> Click here for how to freeze meat

>> Click here for how to freeze fish

>> Click here for other ways to freeze vegetables