The Parsley Porch

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Ephrata, PA
The Parsley Porch

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The Parsley Porch offers a large variety of spices, blends, and essential oils. You can order online or email us for information about specific products.

ABOUT US

Andy and Pat Benko purchased The Parsley Porch in 2007 from Brad Loercher. He had owned several such stores dating back to the 1970’s but only the one at The Green Dragon farmers market still remained. Like Brad, Andy and Pat were former teachers retiring in 2011. Pat taught 4th grade for 24 years, entering the workforce after spending 10+ years as a full-time mother of 3 children. Andy, for 39 years, taught biology, biochemistry, and several other subjects and for 2 years after retirement was employed by IU13 as an “Instructional Coach” serving biology and chemistry teachers throughout Lancaster and Lebanon counties in PA. Andy coached 5 sports in 63 total seasons (56 winning) until in 2003 knee and back problems ended his coaching career. In 2004 he was inducted as a coach into a local “Athletic Hall of Honor”. Andy immediately assumed the cooking duties with Pat’s blessing. This necessitated trips to market for fresh meats and produce as well as herbs and spices. He was quickly impressed with products from The Parsley Porch. He was a weekly customer and became friends with Brad. It was well known that Black Friday is a banner day for farmers markets. Brad announced that he would be closed the day after Thanksgiving to visit his grandchildren in Mississippi. After a quick phone call to Pat, Andy offered to open The Parsley Porch. They were shocked to see the business done on that day. A few months later, Brad who wanted to retire, but wanted his business to continue in good hands, made Andy an offer and the rest they say is history. In 2007, the Benkos took over with very few changes. Andy and Brad are still friends. As our website states, “The BEST Spices at GREAT Prices”, this is OUR commitment to YOU. Shortly after assuming ownership we decided to share our wares with the rest of our country through our website. We spent our careers as teachers. We understand and have lived our lives providing service for a modest income. Being a “mom and pop” store without employees, thus far, and operating out of our home with no expensive store to rent, we stand by our commitment. If a competitor can match our quality, they cannot touch our prices. If a competitor can match our prices, they don’t come close to our quality. We MAKE our own pure vanilla extract that is almost a year old before we sell it and it crushes the quality and price of “name” brands. Our saffron is above ISO 3632 Category 1 saffron standards. We have 50+ custom blends, several of which are NO SALT, sold ONLY at The Parsley Porch. We have 30+ wholesale vendors where we pick and choose from the best each has to offer. All our essential oils (except cinnamon which is FOOD grade) are pharmaceutical grade, the highest level of purity and thus quality. Contact us if you have any questions about any of our products. Email works best. [email protected]. We may have only operated The Parsley Porch for 10 years but remember we have over 75 years of dealing with everyday people. Much of any biology course is botany, biochemistry and health. The Parsley Porch is nothing more than roots, stems, leaves, fruits and seeds used in culinary and medicinal applications. Bon appetit!

10/17/2026

Seasonings greetings to all of our loyal customers and friends of The Parsley Porch that follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Here is an online order that is off tomorrow to the Magnolia State of Mississippi. Southerners love spicy food often with a little heat and this customer with this order has hit the ball out of the park! Parsley Porch Jerk Seasoning is a vibrant and piquant blend with absolutely no salt. You can always add as much salt as you want, but if you have hypertension/high blood pressure, this is a perfect alternative. Salt is dirt cheap and adds a lot of weight to make it seem like you’re getting a lot more of a particular blend. No salt blends from The Parsley Porch are a bargain because they contain high-end spices, but not a grain of salt. Habanero is one of the hottest spices we sell as it has a Scoville heat rating of over 300,000 Scoville heat units. Hot peppers are good for you because they increase circulation, and give you a feeling of fullness long after the meal is over they help restrict calorie intake. And don’t forget the freshness of Spices that you find at The Parsley Porch. Grocery store spices are often three years old and McCormick has admitted that their Spices may sit up to two years in a warehouse and grocery store may have them up to a year before they ever get on a shelf. I can’t think of two better examples than freshly packed jerk seasoning, and freshly packed habanero. The freshness quality is one of the reasons that our sales have improved every year for the last 19 years. Obviously, this lady knows of our quality. Because she has qualified for free shipping, even though she is over 1000 miles away, she will have quality Herbs and Spices not found in a grocery store in 2–3 days. Posted below is the recipe for our no salt jerk seasoning. It is a great blend that is a shout out to southern cuisine. See all of our 200+ products in as many as six different sizes at parsleyporch.com where you always get “The BEST Spices at GREAT Prices“. Bon appétit! 🙂

10/16/2026

Seasonings greetings to all of our loyal customers and friends of The Parsley Porch on Facebook and Instagram. Ground black pepper is considered the most common and popular spice in the world , but we are also proud to offer, medium and coarse grinds. We have six different sizes of each. In the picture are the largest and smallest of the six sizes we sell. See all of our 200+ products it as many as six different sizes at parsleyporch.com where you always get “The BEST Spices at GREAT Prices“. Bon appétit! 🙂

10/15/2026

Seasonings greetings to all of our loyal customers and friends of The Parsley Porch that follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Pictured below is Garam masala a spice blend that is popular in Indian cuisine. If you look at the list of contents, you will see it is a very fragrant blend, consisting of several vibrant and piquant spices that can take an ordinary casserole and transform it into something special. Its popularity has grown through the years and we have many repeat customers for it. See all of our 200+ products it as many as six different sizes at parsleyporch.com where you always get “The BEST Spices at GREAT Prices“. Bon appétit! 🙂

10/14/2026

Seasonings greetings to all of our loyal customers and friends of The Parsley Porch on Facebook and Instagram as we near 300 followers. Pictured below is one of the four sizes of cinnamon sticks that we offer. IMHO, they are an important part of any pantry. Cinnamon sticks (whole quills) are made from the rolled inner bark of Cinnamomum trees. Unlike powdered cinnamon, whole sticks release flavor and active compounds slowly, making them ideal for long-simmering dishes and liquids.
Culinary Uses
• Beverage Infusions: Steep whole sticks in hot water to make cinnamon tea, or add them to coffee, hot chocolate, c***r, chai, and mulled w**e.
• Simmering & Slow Cooking: Drop a stick into soups, stews, curries, and braised meats for a warm, subtle background depth.
• Grains & Poaching: Cook whole sticks with white or basmati rice, oatmeal, poached fruits, or custards and rice puddings.
• Flavor Control: Because they release flavor gradually and can be removed at any time, sticks prevent a dish from becoming overly bitter or intensely spiced. See all of our 200+ products it as many as six different sizes at parsleyporch.com where you always get “The BEST Spices at GREAT Prices“. Bon appétit! 🙂

10/13/2026

Seasonings greetings to all of our loyal customers and our many followers on Facebook and Instagram. This online order is off to a customer in New Jersey and he obviously loves Blackened Rub from The Parsley Porch. Blackened Rub is a savory, spicy, and smoky spice blend used primarily for the pan-searing "blackening" cooking technique. The method and spice blend were popularized in the 1980s by New Orleans chef Paul Prudhomme. It has many uses on all different types of meats, fish, shrimp, potatoes, and vegetables. We have some customers that like it on popcorn. Paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, garlic, onion, and salt are the main ingredients and together combine to make beautiful music for your taste buds! We pack it almost every week and it is one of our best sellers. If you were to rub some of this on the top of your head, your tongue would beat your brains out to get to it! It provides bold flavor with no additional calories, which makes it an important part of a healthy diet. See all of our 200+ products in as many as six different sizes at parsleyporch.com where you always get “The BEST Spices at GREAT Prices“. Bon appétit! 🙂

10/12/2026

Seasonings greetings to all of our loyal customers and friends of The Parsley Porch that follow us on Facebook and Instagram. We have almost 300 followers and we are grateful. This past Friday, while I don’t have absolute records, it was the best day for sales in the 19 years of owning The Parsley Porch. I do know that all the previous Best days were either Good Friday or Black Friday so you have a Friday in October do so well is very gratifying and we thank you! Coarse sea salt is a minimally processed salt made by evaporating seawater that retains natural trace minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium without the anti-caking agents found in standard table salt.
Culinary Uses
• Finishing and Crunch: Large, coarse crystals add a distinctive crunch and clean flavor when sprinkled over meats, grilled vegetables, or artisan caramels.
• Meat Rubs and Crusts: Ideal for packing around whole fish, poultry, or large roasts to lock in moisture and create a savory salt crust during cooking.
• Brining and Fermentation: Used to make brines for pickling vegetables, curing meats, or fermenting foods.
Health and Wellness Benefits
• Mineral Content: Unlike heavily refined table salt, unrefined sea salt retains small amounts of trace minerals like magnesium and calcium.
• Electrolyte and Fluid Balance: Used in moderation, sodium and trace minerals help support cellular hydration and .electrolyte balance.
• Skin Soothing Baths: Added to warm bathwater, coarse sea salt—especially magnesium-rich varieties—can help hydrate dry skin and calm irritation from conditions like eczema. See all of our 200+ products in as many as six different sizes at parsleyporch.com where you always get “The BEST Spices at GREAT Prices“. Bon appétit! 🙂

10/11/2026

Seasonings greetings to all of our loyal customers and friends of The Parsley Porch that follow us on Facebook and Instagram. We are extremely grateful because unofficially we had the best day at our Brick + Mortar store of all time in the 19 years we have owned the business. Our thousands of customers in nearly 40 states are proof that we provide superior products at bargain prices. Whole fennel—specifically fennel seeds and the whole plant—offers concentrated bioactive compounds like anethole and fenchone, along with dietary fiber and essential micronutrients.
Common Uses
• Herbal Teas: Crush whole fennel seeds with a mortar and pestle and steep them in hot water to brew a soothing digestive or anti-bloating tea.
• Post-Meal Mastication: Chew a small pinch of whole fennel seeds (often called saunf) directly after a heavy meal to freshen breath and speed up digestion.
• Culinary Spice: Use whole seeds in curries, masalas, spice rubs, baked goods, sausages, and pickled or roasted vegetable dishes.
Health Benefits:
Digestive Relief: Relieves bloating, gas, indigestion, acid reflux, and stomach discomfort by reducing intestinal inflammation and relaxing smooth muscle.
• Antioxidant & Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Contains potent plant compounds such as rosmarinic acid, chlorogenic acid, quercetin, and apigenin that combat free radicals and lower chronic inflammation.
Provides dietary fiber, potassium, and magnesium, which help regulate blood pressure, support cholesterol management, and promote satiety for weight management.
• Respiratory Support: Acts as an expectorant to help ease congestion and soothe bronchial tubes.
Another factor to consider is that we pack our freshly dried spices every week. Grocery store spices are often three years old when you bring them home. At The Parsley Porch, the Spices that you buy are probably less than 3 WEEKS old! There is no expiration date on Spices, but there is a HUGE quality difference based on their age. There is a reason why our business has grown every year in the 19 years we have owned it. Trust in product quality, is something that is earned.

10/10/2026

• Thai/Holy Basil: Used in stir-fries, curries, and traditional Asian dishes.
• Teas and Infusions: Holy basil (tulsi) or sweet basil leaves are frequently steeped in hot water or sun tea for stress relief and digestion.
• Supplements: Available in capsule, extract, or dried leaf forms (such as Source Naturals or NOW Foods extracts) often used for adaptogenic and anti-inflammatory routines.
Health Benefits of Basil
• Rich in Antioxidants: Contains compounds like eugenol, rosmarinic acid, anthocyanins, and beta-carotene that protect cells from oxidative stress and free radical damage.
• Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Essential oils such as eugenol and linalool help block inflammatory enzymes (like COX-2), lowering risks tied to arthritis and chronic conditions.
• Heart and Blood Pressure Support: Eugenol helps block calcium channels to lower blood pressure, while essential oils assist in reducing cholesterol and triglycerides.
• Blood Sugar Regulation: Studies suggest active compounds in basil can help manage and reduce high blood sugar levels. See all of our 200+ products in as many as six different sizes at parsleyporch.com where you always get “The BEST Spices at GREAT Prices“. Bon appétit! 🙂

10/09/2026

Seasonings greetings to all of our loyal customers and friends of The Parsley Porch that follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Pictured below is a mid pack of flaxseed. Flaxseed is a nutritional powerhouse loaded with alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) (an omega-3 fatty acid), dietary fiber, and lignans (plant antioxidants).
Primary Uses and Forms
• Ground Flaxseed (Flaxseed Meal): The most effective form for human health. Grinding breaks down the hard outer shell, allowing your body to absorb the omega-3 oils and nutrients.
• Whole Seeds: Often less expensive, but whole seeds frequently pass through the digestive tract undigested.
• Flaxseed Oil: A concentrated liquid or softgel extract of ALA. It is rich in healthy fats, but lacks the fiber and lignans found in the actual seed.
• Culinary Uses: Easily mixed into hot or cold cereal, yogurt, smoothies, baked goods (muffins, bread, cookies), or used as a plant-based "flax egg" substitute in baking.
Key Health Benefits
•Supports Heart Health: The ALA omega-3 fatty acids and soluble fiber help lower total cholesterol, reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol, and improve overall lipid profiles. Regular intake is also linked to modest reductions in blood pressure.
• Improves Digestion and Relieves Constipation: Flaxseed is rich in both soluble and insoluble fiber (including mucilage gums). This adds bulk to stool, feeds beneficial gut bacteria, and acts as a natural laxative.
• Stabilizes Blood Sugar: The viscous soluble fiber slows down the digestion and absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, which helps improve glycemic control and insulin sensitivity.
• Provides Antioxidant & Anticancer Properties: Flaxseeds contain high levels of lignans (phytoestrogens and antioxidants) that guard against oxidative stress and may help reduce the risk of certain hormone-sensitive cancers.
• Aids Satiety and Weight Management: The combination of fiber and protein helps you feel full longer, supporting healthy, sustainable weight control. See all of our 200+ products in as many as six different sizes at parsleyporch.com where you always get “The BEST Spices at GREAT Prices“. Bon appétit! 🙂

10/08/2026

Seasonings greetings to all of our loyal customers and friends of The Parsley Porch that follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Pictured below is something you will not find in any grocery store and you would have a tough time finding it anywhere. We have six different sizes of cinnamon and this is our big boy…a full 16 ounces for just $10. This time of year we sell several of these every Friday being the only day our brick and mortar store is opened at the Green Dragon farmers market. We do sell these online. Keep in mind when you buy cinnamon, there are a huge differences. Our basic cinnamon at The Parsley Porch has a volatile oil content of 2.5%. You can buy cheap cinnamon at a lot of places with a volatile oil content of 1% or even less. VO content is what gives cinnamon its flavor. Our Saigon cinnamon has a VO of about 5%. See all of our 200+ products in as many as six different sizes at parsleyporch.com where you always get “The BEST Spices at GREAT Prices“. Bon appétit! 🙂

Address

Building #6, The Green Dragon Farmer'S Market, 955 N. State Street
Ephrata, PA
17522

Opening Hours

8am - 8:30pm

Telephone

+17173978045

Website

http://parsleyporch.com/

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