Chervil
is an Annual herb
that is closely related to
Parsley. Its fragrance is reminiscent of
Anise. Its leaves are light green and its flowers are white.
It can be grown indoors if care is taken to give it enough room in the pot.
It prefers partial shade and self-sows readily.
Chervil can be used in flavored vinegars, and chopped for use in sauces,
soups, stews, salads and vegetables. It can also be mixed with cheeses
and butter, and can add flavor to chicken, fish, and egg dishes.
Chervil can be used fresh or dried. If grown from seed, plant Chervil
in its permanent location, as this herb does not transplant well. Sow seeds
shallowly and thin to about 10 inches apart once the plants are big enough
to be thinned easily. Do provide a well-worked and well-drained soil,
with a layer of mulch once the plants are up to keep weeds down and soil
evenly moist. Chervil is one of the few herbs that actually prefers
cooler shade, so plan accordingly. Harvest Chervil as needed, choosing
outside leaves and working your way in. Once the leaves become a purplish
color, they have lost their flavor and will not work as well as far as taste.
Chervil will self sow if flowers are
left intact and it likes its position in the garden. Successive sowing
every few weeks will insure a continuous harvest.