Chervil is a lesser known herb that is not often grown in the home garden. Chervil is an annual herb that is best known for being a “sweet” herb. Many people grow chervil to be used in desserts and drinks. The flavor is often described as a combination of parsley and licorice. The chervil herb is also known as gourmet parsley or French parsley. It is an attractive herb that has lacy ‘fern-like’ leaves. This herb is used as a culinary, medical and in cosmetic products. There are several cultivars including winter chervil.

Ideal Location- It is one of the few herbs that grows best in shady conditions with moist soil. This herb can be grown indoors in a container or window box specifically designed for herbs,

Cultivation - Chervil herb can tolerate some frost, but grows best in the cool season right after frost has passed. Before you plant chervil, soak the seeds in water overnight. This helps them germinate. Pick a shaded spot to plant the chervil seeds. The plant goes to seed too quickly in direct sun, so the seeds must be planted in a cool and shaded area.

Plant them at least 1/8 in (25mm) deep in the soil in the spring. The soil should have been tilled well in early spring in order to prepare the ground for planting. Set the seeds at least 8 to 10 in (20-25cm) apart. Plants should be kept moist. The chervil should be thinned once they are 2in(5cm) tall.

Harvesting- Chervil can be picked as needed once the plants are 2-3 in (5-7.5cm) tall Chervil reseeds it self quickly so pick flowers off.

Parts used- Leaves, and stems, seeds, and oils.

Culinary uses. Chervil is used in soups, salads, butter sauces, drinks, and desserts. It is particular popular in European cuisines. It has a delicate flavor and will not overpower dishes. This herb loses its flavor if cooked at too high a temperature.

Other Uses- Chervil has been used in the past as a diuretic, expectorant, digestive aid, and skin freshener. It was also thought to relieve symptoms of eczema, gout, kidney stones, and pleurisy. It is most widely known as a remedy for high blood pressure today.

Make a tea, keeping a tight cover on the cup or pot to trap the volatile oils. The leaves can also be dried and pulverized into a powder to be used in Capsule form. This tea can also be used as an eye wash by saturating a cotton ball and placing it over the closed eye for 10 minutes. The oils of chervil is also used in the cosmetic industry.