Chervil

“What is Chervil?  Chervil (shur-vl) is a mild, leafy green herb that originated in Europe. Chervil has long been a prominent herb used in classic French cooking and is one of the 4 essential herbs (along with parsley, chives, and tarragon) in the popular French seasoning, fines herbes. Chervil is also often used as in ingredient in another popular French herb blend that you may be familiar with – herbes de Provence.

If you have never tasted chervil, it possesses flavours of anise and licorice and is compared to a mix of parsley (it looks like a cross between parsley and carrot greens) and tarragon – although its delicate flavour is the mildest of the bunch. Chervil, is often used as a finishing herb as the heat from prolonged cooking can further diminish its already subtle flavour. As the French have shown, chervil is a terrific addition to herb blends, but its gentle flavour also pairs well meat, seafood, eggs, soups, salads, sauces, and more!”

Chervil is a wonderful source of antioxidants and comes packed with vitamins and minerals that your body needs to stay healthy.

“The following are some of the main potential health benefits of Chervil :

HEART HEALTH

Chervil leaves are a great source of important minerals including potassium, manganese, iron, zinc and magnesium. Potassium plays a number of important roles in the body. It helps to regulate a person’s heart rate as well as blood pressure by neutralizing the effects of sodium.

Chervil is also a good source of antioxidants that can help protect the body from serious disease, including heart disease. It is also a good source of heart-healthy dietary fibre.

HELPS BOOST CIRCULATION

Chervil may also help improve the circulation of blood around the body. It has been used in traditional systems of medicine like Ayurveda to treat conditions like varicose veins and haemorrhoids.

DIGESTIVE HEALTH

Chervil leaves can benefit your digestive health. People have used chervil to treat a range of common digestive conditions including dyspepsia, bloating, gas and stomach upset.  One effective way of treating a stomach upset is to use the fresh leaves to make a tea.

ANTIOXIDANT BENEFITS

Chervil is an excellent source of antioxidants that can help protect the body against oxidative stress. Free radicals that we encounter on a daily basis cause a great deal of harm to the cells and it is important that we consume as many antioxidants as possible to neutralize their damaging effects

Antioxidants like those found in the herb can protect us from disease including serious illnesses like cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer’s. They also have an anti-aging effect on the skin meaning they will help you to look younger and healthier.

SKIN HEALTH

The juice from chervil leaves has also been used traditionally to help treat a range of inflammatory skin conditions including eczema and psoriasis. It is also used to help treat outbreaks of acne.

DETOXIFICATION AND DIURETIC USES

Chervil may contain mild diuretic properties and has been used traditionally to help promote urination and expel waste and toxins from the system.

The herb has been used to detoxify the body as well as for treating kidney infections and urinary tract infections. It has also been used to treat gout by helping get rid of the build up of uric acid that causes the painful condition.

Fresh chervil is not always easy to find at your local market. The herb is usually only available fresh when it is in season during the spring months.  It is a delicate herb and does not keep very well when stored in the fridge. To help make the herb last longer, you can try wrapping it in a paper towel before storing it in the fridge. This way, it can remain fresh for up to a week”.

Chevril doesn’t tolerate direct sun and does not like heat.  Where we live in France, it is grown mainly in the Spring because of the extreme summer heat.  We grow Chevril in pots on the windowsill for this reason; keep the soil moist, but not soaking.  It is an annual plant and requires re-seeding every season.

Fresh vs Dried?  Fresh always, as dried doesn’t have much flavour.  Remember that the herb will lose a portion of its flavour during cooking so it is better to add it at the very last stage of the meal’s preparation.

Chevril tastes divine, has a host of health benefits and may help you look younger and healthier.  What’s not to like?

Resources:  [1]  [2]