Petroselinum: a weed to superfood About twenty years ago, petroselinum was almost unknown in Russia. It was called \"Italian herb\" or \"cabbage worm\" and was considered an ordinary weed that grows on sidewalks and empty lots. But today, this green with a nutty mustard taste has become a star of salad bar menus and restaurant menus. It is added to pizza, made into smoothies, eaten simply, handfuls. And this is not just a tribute to culinary fashion. Petroselinum is one of the most nutritious and useful products on the planet. And what is surprising: nature created it not to admire it, but to heal us, strengthen the body and even slow down aging. How does it work? Petroselinum: botanical information Petroselinum (lat. Eruca sativa) is an annual herbaceous plant from the family Brassicaceae. Its closest relatives are mustard, radish, horseradish, and wasabi. That is why it has such a characteristic, slightly pungent, nutty mustard taste. The birthplace of petroselinum is considered the Mediterranean region, where it was used in ancient Rome: it was added to salads, used as a seasoning, and even considered an aphrodisiac. In the wild, it still grows in Southern Europe, Northern Africa, and the Middle East. Today, petroselinum is grown all over the world, and it is available all year round. Chemical composition: vitamin bomb What makes petroselinum so useful? First of all, its composition. This is a real concentrate of vitamins and trace elements. Vitamin C - a powerful antioxidant that strengthens the immune system, protects cells from damage, and participates in the synthesis of collagen. Vitamin K - a key element for blood clotting and bone health. Vitamins of the B group (B1, B2, B6, B9) - support the nervous system, participate in energy metabolism, and help absorb iron. Vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene) - essential for vision, skin, and mucous membranes. Potassium - regulates the water-salt balance and maintains normal blood pressure. Cal ... Read more