Where did parsley originate?

Parsley (Petroselinum crispum), native to the central Mediterranean region, is said to have originated on the island of Sardinia, where it grew abundantly in rocky areas. Parsley, a biennial herb related to chervil, carrots, cilantro, dill and fennel, belongs to the Apiaceae family.

Though parsley is a staple in kitchens today, it was feared for centuries due to its mythical relation to death. Ancient Greek legend states that parsley first emerged from the blood of Archemorus, an infant killed by a dragon, whose name means "forerunner of death." In later centuries, Europeans cultivated parsley as an herb and a vegetable used for culinary and medicinal purposes.