Organic Chervil

Description

Organic Chervil. Anthriscus cerefolium.

Organic Chervil originates from the Caucasus region and has been spread throughout Europe and the rest of the world by people. It’s an annual, growing to about 60cms tall. It’s a cousin to parsley and also to our native Anthriscus sylvestris – cow parsley. As yet i’ve found no evidence to suggest that they would hybridise, making it safe for our native cousin.

How to grow:
Chervil is an annual so sow each year in situ once the soil has warmed up, cover it lightly to protect the seed from being eaten or drying out. Does best in the cooler seasons spring and autumn.

Problem solving:
This plant will do well in a spot that’s semi shaded in the height of summer because it prefers a cooler, more woodland type of existence. This makes it good for growing over winter inside a greenhouse or tunnel.
Regular harvesting helps prevent bolting in the summer months.

Favourite ways to eat them:
Use this herb fresh. The leaves have a mild aniseed flavour, which can be spoilt with over cooking so add it right at the end or raw in salads for best effect. Known for its digestive properties.

Cultural history:
The word chervil is derived from the Latin chaerephylla or choerephyllum, translating as “leaves of joy”! Source Wikipedia.

Approx 500 seeds per gram. Gardners pack contains 1g.