Parsley is a leafy green herb with a fresh, slightly peppery taste that cooks use to add flavor to food or make dishes look more appealing. You've probably seen it as the bright green garnish on the edge of a dinner plate at a restaurant, or chopped up and sprinkled over pasta, potatoes, or soup.

Parsley grows in small, frilly clusters and comes in two main varieties: curly parsley (which looks ruffled and decorative) and flat-leaf parsley (which has smooth leaves and a stronger flavor). Unlike herbs such as basil or cilantro that can overpower a dish, parsley adds a light, clean taste that brightens other flavors without taking over.

While many people think of parsley as just decoration, it's actually packed with vitamins and has been used in cooking for thousands of years around the Mediterranean. Italian, Middle Eastern, and French cuisines rely heavily on parsley. It's a key ingredient in dishes like tabbouleh (a Middle Eastern salad) and chimichurri (a sauce).