Have you heard of chervil before? Well, this is an herb that you can use as a substitute for parsley. That’s right – if you love using parsley, then you will also love chervil. Not only that, it has a wide array of health benefits to look out for. If you want to learn more, keep reading this article.
What is Chervil?
Chervil, an annual herb, is a member of the Apiacea botanical family and has the same appearance as parsley. Native to the continent of Europe, the plant usually grows to about 16-17 inches in height and may bear some tripinnate. It has slightly curled leaves and a pleasantly sweet aroma, like a combination of the scent of anise and parsley.
Just like parsley and coriander, chervil is popular as a flavoring agent or garnishing ingredient. Furthermore, it may also be used as a dried herb, which is less aromatic. However, it is a useful constituent of a number of herbal preparations.
Chervil is actually one of the oldest herbs still in use today, having been used by our ancestors for centuries for thinks such as essential oils. It is believed to have been introduced to England and France by the Romans about 2000 years ago. Some Europeans think it symbolizes new life, and there are religious festivals which feature the preparation of chervil soup.
Chervil is a delicate herb whose peak growth season falls between May and September. The plant’s leaves look like a short, feather version of parsley leaves, with flimsy white flowers. However, chervil’s taste and smell is more like that of licorice or anise. Because of this, it is a popular ingredient in many French dishes.
Uses of Chervil
Here are some of the uses of chervil:
- The essential oils from chervil can be a very an beneficial ingredient in lotions.
- Pregnant women may use chervil to take a bath.
- The leaves may be soaked in vinegar and eating to stop hiccuping.
- Freshly chopped leaves may be added to a creamy butter or sprinkled over steamed vegetables to give them a more delicious taste or aroma.
- Chervil helps stimulate the digestive processes and gently promote the body’s natural waste removal system.
- Consuming chervil may help increase dawdling vigor and revive low spirits.
- Chervil tea may help purify blood.
- Chervil soup is a delicious dish to make during winter. It could ease colds and generally warm you up.
- It is beneficial in stimulating digestion, improving blood circulation, helping prevent liver conditions and treating protracted respiratory conditions.
Nutritional Value of Chervil
100 grams of fresh chervil has:
Principle | Amount | % Daily Value |
Energy | 237 Kcal | 12% |
Carbohydrates | 49.10 grams | 38% |
Protein | 23.20 grams | 41% |
Total Fat | 3.90 grams | 19% |
Cholesterol | 0 milligrams | 0% |
Dietary Fiber | 42.8 grams | 107% |
Vitamins | ||
Folates | 274 µg | 69% |
Niacin | 5.4 milligrams | 34% |
Pyridoxine | 0.930 milligrams | 71% |
Riboflavin | 0.680 milligrams | 52% |
Thiamin | 0.380 milligrams | 32% |
Vitamin A | 5850 IU | 195% |
Vitamin C | 50 milligrams | 83% |
Electrolytes | ||
Sodium | 83 milligrams | 6% |
Potassium | 4740 milligrams | 100% |
Minerals | ||
Calcium | 1346 milligrams | 134% |
Copper | 0.440 milligrams | 49% |
Iron | 31.95 milligrams | 399% |
Magnesium | 130 milligrams | 32.5% |
Manganese | 2.100 milligrams | 91% |
Zinc | 8.80 milligrams | 80% |
Health Benefits of Chervil
Here are some of the most surprising health benefits of chervil:
- It helps prevent and cure mouth ulcers and gum illnesses.
- It helps stop hiccups.
- It is an effective treatment for the flu and colds.
- It helps promote strong and healthy bones due to its high levels of calcium and potassium.
- It helps relieve pain and discomfort caused by insect bites.
- It helps manage liver diseases. This is one of the best health benefits of chervil.
- It helps reduce the effect of allergic reactions, as well as treat allergies.
- It helps treat kidney, cystitis and bladder stones.
- It helps prevent water retention during the menstrual cycle, thus averting bloating and other related symptoms.
- It may be beneficial in treating amenorrhea and herpes.
- It may be beneficial in improving blood circulation, as well as in treating varicose veins and hemorrhages. Moreover, it also helps prevent low blood pressure.
- Being a detoxifying agent, it helps reduce signs of aging like wrinkles, fine lines and dark spots.
- It helps purify the blood and makes the skin look younger and smoother.
- Chervil is a diuretic, meaning it helps the process of excretion by promoting frequent urination. This is beneficial in the removal toxins from the body.