How To: Clean, Chop, and Store Parsley

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Adding fresh parsley to almost any dish gives food a bright, flavorful boost that the dried version of the herb just can't provide. Follow these easy steps for a fast, efficient way to prep parsley the next time you cook―and to store whatever you don't use for maximum freshness.
What You Need
Parsley gathered with a rubber band, bowl of cold water, paper towels, chef's knife

Follow These Six Easy Steps

How To: Clean, Chop and Store Parsley Step 1
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1“Dunk and swish” the parsley in water

Dunk your parsley bunch in a bowl of cold water and swish it around; dirt will fall to the bottom of the bowl. For very sandy herbs, repeat with clean water until the bowl is clear.

How To: Clean, Chop and Store Parsley Step 2
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2Shake out the water

Remove parsley from bowl and shake off excess water.

How To: Clean, Chop and Store Parsley Step 3
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3Pat dry with paper towels

Pat parsley dry with paper towels. Set damp paper towels aside to use in storing parsley.

How To: Clean, Chop and Store Parsley Step 4
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4Shave the leaves from stems

Grasping the base of the bunch, use a chef’s knife to shave leaves off stems at an angle, working away from your body. Only shave off as much parsley as you plan to use immediately.

Tip: Leave the rubber band on to help keep the parsley together in a bunch

How To: Clean, Chop and Store Parsley Step 5
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5Chop or “slice” the parsley

Remove thicker stems, gather leaves in a pile, and slice roughly. Don’t press the parsley leaves too hard; you may bruise them.

How To: Clean, Chop and Store Parsley Step 6
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6Rock the knife back and forth for a finer chop

For a finer chop, use one hand to hold the tip of the knife on the cutting board while the other hand rocks the knife down and across the leaves; continue until parsley reaches your desired consistency.

Tip: Don’t over-cut because it can bruise the parsley

Tip: Use damp paper towels to wrap and uncut herbs and store in plastic bag; refrigerated, they’ll keep for 3 to 5 days.

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