Parsley

Infobox on Parsley
Example of Parsley
Freshness facts
Optimum carrying temperature	0°C
Highest freezing point	Approx. -1,1°C
Acceptable product temp. at loading into containers	Max. 2°C above carrying temperature
Optimum humidity	95% to 100%
Ventilation setting for containers	25 m³/hr
Storage life	1 to 2 months
Climacteric / non-climacteric	Non-climacteric
Ethylene production	Very low
Ethylene sensitivity	High
Modified / controlled atmosphere	10% O2; 11% CO2
Potential benefits	Helps to retain green colour and saleability
Availability
	On demand

Parsley

Harvesting and Handling

The edible foliage of parsley is used as a garnish and food ingredient, and has a very high vitamin and nutrient content. The quality standards for parsley refer to freshness, green colour, freedom from defects or seed stems and freedom from decay.

Rapid removal of field heat without excessive drying is advantageous for retaining green colour and freshness of parsley. Harvested parsley has a high rate of respiration and, at temperatures above 10°C, the foliage undergoes senescent yellowing within a day or so.

The other major hazard is wilting, which can be minimised by the use of perforated plastic film packaging.

Cooling and Storage

The recommended conditions for commercial storage of parsley are 0°C with 95% to 100% RH. Parsley can be stored for 1 to 2 months under these conditions, compared to only 3 days at 18°C to 20°C with 85% to 90% RH. The endpoint of storage at 0°C occurs when parsley wilts, at around 20% weight loss.

Parsley is not chilling sensitive. It should be stored as cold as possible without freezing which occurs at -1,1°C

Controlled atmosphere considerations

Controlled atmosphere storage is reported to assist in maintaining green colour.

Parsley leaves produce very little ethylene but are very sensitive to ethylene.

Storage disorders

Alternaria rot, Bacterial soft rot, Leaf spot, Powdery mildew, Watery soft rot, Wilting, Yellowing.