Parsley
Petroselinum, the specific name of the Parsley, is of classic origin. In Latin, Petroseliniummeans "rock parsley," referring to the fact that parsley often grew in rocky places. The plant is native to the same area as celery. Ancient botanist Dioscorides is rumored to have assigned the name to this particular plant. In ancient times, parsley was called Oreoselinon, meaning 'Mountain selinon' or petroselinum, meaning 'Rock selinon.' In the Middle Ages, the form of the word changed into ‘Petrocilium’ but later went through various changes along with the English language, becoming Petersylinge, Persele, Persely and Parsley. [1]
There are several legends surrounding parsley use in ancient Greece. According to superstition, parsley was dedicated to the god Persephone, the god of spring and the queen of the underworld. Due to its connection with death, ancient Greeks used parsley to perform in funeral rites. The plant later became consecrated to St. Peter. Parsley was also supposedly grown from the blood of Archemorus, a Greek hero. Ancient poet Homer also told of chariot horses fed by warriors with parsley leaves. The consumption of parsley was supposed to be able to ward off intoxication, which was later proved untrue. [2]
Ancient Greeks treasured the parsley plant. At the famed Isthmian games, the Greeks would crown the winners with chaplets of Parsley at the Isthmian games. Parsley was also used to make wreaths placed on tombs to honor the dead and making with it wreaths for adorning the tombs of their dead. It was not uncommon for Greek gardens to be bordered with Parsley and Rue. [2]
Before gaining popularity as a spice, parsley was used for its medicinal properties. Parsley Tea, which was believed to have a variety of health benefits, was created using two-year-old roots and dried parsley leaves. Oil by the name of Apiol was extracted from parsley seeds and the seeds, for the extraction of oil called Apiol, which was considered an easy to make home remedy. The seed is most conducive for creating medicinal oils is the Triple Moss curled variety. [1]
To this day, the French use an ointment made of green parsley and snails to relieve swelling. Bruised parsley leaves applied to the outside of the body have been used to rid a person of potentially cancerous tumors. It is said that the leaves can also relieve discomfort from the bites and stings of poisonous insects.[3]
Varieties of parsley include the common plain-leaved plant, the curled-leaved plant, the Hamburg or broadleaved plant and the celery-leaved plant. One of the oldest known varieties of the curled-leave plants dates back to the era of Pliny in Greece. The Hamburg was first mentioned in Miller’s Gardeners' Dictionary (1771) where he calls it 'the large-rooted Parsley.' According to Miller, this variety of parsley originated in Holland but was commonly sold in London markets.[1]
Parsley was first commonly eaten in Europe in the Middle Ages. Parsley was introduced to England from Sardinia in the mid 16th century. European colonists later planted the herb in America in the 17th century.
Emperor Charlemagne is among the first historical figures to have been reported growing large of it for consumption. In early modern Europe, parsley was one of the most common herbs found in gardens and was used as seasoning in a wide array of sauces and dishes. However, as parsley was gathered in the wild, many were rightfully cautious about its use. The plain-leaved parsley was one of the original variations of parsley found in Early Modern Europe, but it was discovered that it bore a frighteningly close a resemblance to Fool's Parsley (Anthriscus cynapium.) Fools Parsley is a poisonous weed that is known to infest gardens and fields. If consumed, it has the potency to kill a human within a matter of hours.[4]
The image of parsley drawn by Elizabeth Blackwell reveals how this particular herb was treated in the 18th century. Blackwell created a botanical illustration that separates the plant into three parts: “flower,” roots and seed. Each component of the plant was used for a different purpose; the seeds to make Apiol oil, the roots to make parsley tea, and the leaves and stems as a garnish or spice. Cooks, physicians and apothecaries were in need of books of botanical identifications and illustrations, more commonly called herbals. Elizabeth Blackwell's capitalized on this need with "A Curious Herbal" published in London between 1731 and 1739. Physicians and apothecaries were also to reference this work for information on herbal remedies. Though she was successful in extricating her husband from prison through the proceeds of her book, he was beheaded in Sweden in 1747 due to his involvement in a political ploy. [5]
Society’s demand for an herbal signifies an increased interest in advancing science and improving medicine in a standardized way. The discovery of the many purposes parsley can serve indicates that people were experimenting with the various natural resources available to them in a novel way. As the image is engraved in intricate detail, Blackwell must have closely observed the physical properties of the parsley. The attention to detail in the image as well as the purpose of the herbal can be construed as character of a society that is examining the world more closely. Furthermore, the Enlightenment ideal of organizing ideas and items into distinct categories can explain why the need for an encyclopedia of plants separated by scientific name and genus grew in popularity during the 18th century.
By Laura Sanicola
Sources
[1] "Parsley." A Modern Herbal. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Dec. 2014.
[2]Jett, John W. "That Develish Parsley." West Virginia University Extension Service. West Virginia University, n.d. Web. 02 Dec. 2014.
[3] "Parsley Root (Petroselinum Crispum Tuberosum Aka Petroselinum Hortense)." Parsley Root. The OwlCroft Company, 2013. Web. 02 Dec. 2014.
[4] Moseley, James. The Mystery of Herbs and Spices: Intimate Biographies of the World's Most Notorious Ingredients. Philadelphia?: Xlibris, 2006. Print.
[5] "Garden Parsley. Apium Hortense or Petroselinum by EIGHTEENTH CENTURY Hand Colored Botanical Engraving on Oldimprints.com." Oldimprints.com. Old Imprints, n.d. Web. 02 Dec. 2014.