Chervil is a delicate herb that can be challenging to find fresh - unlike its cousins parsley and cilantro. Look for it at specialty stores or farmer's markets. Avoid bunches with wilted leaves or blossoms.
Chervil is a key ingredient in French cooking and is part of the traditional Herbes de Provence blend. It adds flavor to eggs, fish dishes, soups and salads.
The Delicate Anise-Like Flavor
Chervil is not as well known as other herbs such as cilantro and parsley, but it has a very delicate taste with hints of anise. It pairs wonderfully with dishes that do not have overpowering flavors – try it swirled in a light potato salad or stirred into eggs for a delicious herb omelet.
It also works beautifully in light soups, or stirred into a butter sauce to serve with fish or chicken. It makes a delicious addition to many vegetable dishes, especially in spring with young vegetables such as baby spinach and asparagus, new potatoes, or courgettes.
It is a traditional ingredient in French cooking and is often used in a classic bearnaise sauce for steak. It is also a key element in their traditional ‘fines herbes’ mixture along with tarragon, parsley and chives. You can also add a pinch to your own homemade herbes de Provence blend to have on hand for cooking!
The Culinary Uses
Chervil is a mainstay in French recipes and, as part of the fines herbes blend (with parsley, tarragon and chives), it’s essential to classics such as omelets, egg dishes and soup. It’s also the key to the rich Bearnaise sauce.
It pairs well with mild foods, including chicken, white fish, eggs and salads. It’s also great in cream sauces and herb pestos or herb butters.
Because of its delicate nature, it is best used fresh. It can be cooked, but the heat can diminish its flavor and scent. Adding it at the end of cooking is best, or you can use it to garnish dishes.
Since it has a shorter shelf life than most herbs, chervil can be frozen to extend its lifespan. Chop the leaves, then add them to ice cube trays with water, stock or oil, and freeze. Then, when you’re ready to use them, just pop out a few frozen chervil cubes!
The Perfect Garnish
Chervil is a key ingredient in French dishes, particularly soups. This herb also makes an excellent garnish for omelets, fish, poultry, eggs, fresh vegetables and salads. It’s a great addition to cream sauces, herb butters and herb pestos.
Given that the flavor of this delicate herb can be easily lost over extended periods of heat, chervil is often added towards the end of cooking or in its raw state as a garnish. When shopping for chervil, look for bunches that have fresh, crisp leaves with a nice green color. Avoid wilted and browned leaves as well as bunches that are flowering, which will have a bitter flavor.
The mild anise-like Flavor of chervil pairs nicely with the sharpness of parsley and the onion-like flavor of chives. This unique flavor combination is known as fines herbes, a classic herb blend that is used in many French recipes. This herb mix pairs perfectly with white meats, especially veal, and adds depth to vegetable, potato and egg dishes.
The Storage Tips
Chervil is quite a delicate herb and tends to wilt quickly when cooked or handled. Therefore, it's best to use it in dishes at the very end of cooking time or added raw to a dish right before serving.
It also pairs well with dishes that do not have overpowering flavors, such as white fish, potatoes, and eggs (especially omelets). If you are having trouble finding fresh chervil, try looking for it in the produce section of a specialty grocery store or a market that offers a wide variety of herbs and vegetables.
If you are growing chervil in your garden, sow seeds directly in the soil and keep it cool and moist to encourage maximum flavor. If you prefer to buy a transplant, look for it at a local nursery that specializes in herbs and is open year round. When purchasing, avoid chervil that has any mold or a sour smell.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which plant can heal wounds?
Plants are amazing creatures. They grow, they live, and they die. They make food, clean our air and water, and help keep us healthy. But plants also do more than that...they heal wounds.
Plants release molecules called phytochemicals when they are injured. These chemicals act as antioxidants, which protect cell membranes from damage and promote healing.
Phytochemicals found in plants include flavones (found in citrus fruits), terpenoids (present in mint leaves), and polyphenols (common in berries).
In addition to these protective compounds, plants contain proteins, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, and carbohydrates that support the body's natural processes of healing.
The best way to use plants to heal wounds is to consume them directly. However, there are ways to apply the power of plants to treat wounds without eating them.
First, soak a cotton ball in an extract from the St John's Wort herb. This product contains salicylic acid, which helps reduce inflammation.
Next, place the soaked cotton ball on the wound. Avoid applying the herb directly to open cuts, burns, or puncture wounds. If you feel any burning sensation, remove the herb immediately.
You may also find that placing a few drops of essential oil on the affected area promotes faster healing. Lavender essential oil reduces swelling and speed recovery; rosemary stimulates blood flow and increases circulation; peppermint relieves headaches and muscle aches.
If you want to try your hand at growing some of your medicinal herbs, here are some tips:
- Start with small pots, so you don't end up with too much of one particular type of plant.
- Grow several different types of herbs together. The same goes for flowers and vegetables. Mixing it up will ensure you get all the benefits of each plant.
- Use organic fertilizer if you're growing your herbs indoors. Non-organic fertilizers may be harmful to your health.
- Harvest regularly. You'll enjoy the freshness of homegrown herbs, but leave enough time between harvests to allow the soil to replenish itself.
- Be careful not to overwater your plants. Overly wet soil encourages mold growth, which isn't suitable for your herbs.
- Wash your hands after handling your herbs. You don't want to risk spreading bacteria onto your plants!
How is basil used for medicinal purposes?
In ancient times, doctors would prescribe basil leaves to treat colds and coughs. Today, basil contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties, making it an ideal remedy for arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, eczema, gout, hay fever, indigestion, migraines, menstrual cramps, sinus infections, sore throats, ulcers, varicose veins, and more.
Basil is also known for its ability to help protect against cancer, heart disease, diabetes, skin conditions, and even aging.
Basil is often referred to as "the herb of grace" because it helps us relax and unwind after stressful situations. It is also said to improve memory and concentration, boost energy levels, increase libido, and enhance athletic performance.
The list goes on and on. Basil is a versatile plant that offers a wide range of benefits for our health and well-being.
What are the side effects of basil?
Basil is an herb that originated in tropical regions of India, Africa, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina, and Chile.
The plant is easy to grow in most climates and requires little maintenance. Basil also thrives in poor soil conditions and is very drought tolerant.
As for the health benefits, more than 200 known compounds are found in basil, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, lignans, polysaccharides, essential oils, vitamins, and minerals.
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, basil contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties which may help relieve symptoms associated with arthritis, asthma, allergies, bronchitis, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, digestive disorders, depression, eczema, insomnia, infections, migraines, osteoporosis, psoriasis, respiratory problems, stress, and ulcers.
Basil is also a culinary spice and is often added to tomato sauces, soups, salads, pasta dishes, rice dishes, dips, casseroles, pizza toppings, pesto, chicken wings, and popcorn.
However, like all herbs, basil should be consumed in moderation. Too much of anything is not good for you. For example, eating large amounts of basil could lead to stomach upset. And if you have sensitive tummies, avoid consuming basil during pregnancy.
If you are pregnant or nursing, consult your doctor before taking herbal supplements.
You should only take one type of supplement at a time. If you take other medications, make sure they do not interact with each other.
You should never use herbs while on medication unless directed by your doctor.
Some people experience allergic reactions when using herbs, especially those allergic to ragweed. Symptoms include hives, swelling around the mouth or eyes, shortness of breath, chest tightness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, dizziness, fainting, heart palpitations, blurred vision, loss of consciousness, seizures, or even death.
Some people who take certain medications may develop an allergy to basil. These drugs include:
- Antacids (like Alka Seltzer)
- Anti-anxiety medicines (Valium, Xanax, Ativan, etc.)
- Beta-blockers (like Propranolol)
- Blood thinners (like Coumadin)
- Calcium channel blockers (like Amlodipine)
- Cholesterol-lowering drugs (like Lipitor, Zocor, Mevacor, and Pravachol)
- Diabetes medicine (like Glucophage)
- Diuretics (like Lasix)
- Heartburn medicines (like Prilosec OTC)
- Hormone therapy (like Premarin, Tamoxifen, Femara)
- Insulin (like Humalog, Lantus, Novolin R)
- NSAIDs (like Aleve, Motrin, Advil, Excedrin, Tylenol, Ibuprofen)
- Oral contraceptives (like Ortho Evra, Yasmin, Loestrin, Ovrette, Yaz, and Seasonale)
- Pain relievers (like Aspirin, Celebrex, Vicodin, Percodan, Darvocet, Dilaudid, Fiorinal, Tylenol 3s, Naproxen, Motrin, Tramadol, Ultram, Voltaren
What herb is best for healing?
Herbs are a fantastic way to help heal our bodies. Herbal medicine has been used since ancient times and continues to grow today. There are thousands of herbs known to cure various ailments.
Some herbs are excellent for treating colds and flu, while others can treat anxiety, depression, arthritis, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and more.
There are also herbal remedies for skin care, hair loss, weight loss, sexual health, energy, sleep, digestion, and much more.
The list goes on and on. But one herb stands above them all regarding its ability to heal. That herb is called aloe vera.
Aloe Vera is considered to be the world's most powerful healer. For centuries it has helped people heal themselves naturally without any side effects.
It's incredible how well aloe vera works. It's even better than prescription drugs and surgery.
In addition to its natural healing properties, aloe vera is highly versatile and can be used in almost any area of life, including food, beauty products, and household cleaning supplies.
You may not realize this, but aloe vera contains hundreds of active compounds, which include vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2, B3, B6, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, sulfur, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, chloride, fluoride, iodine, selenium and more.
These nutrients are essential for human body functions such as cell growth, metabolism, immune system support, healthy bones and teeth, healthy blood pressure levels, healthy eyesight, healthy cardiovascular systems, healthy digestive systems, healthy lungs, healthy nervous system, healthy reproductive organs, healthy skin, and healthy libido.
Why do some love coriander and others don't?
Some people hate coriander, while others love it. But why?
Coriander is an herb that grows in warm climates throughout the world. It is native to both North America and Europe.
The leaves of the plant are used in cooking and can also be found in condiments such as salad dressings and dips. When added to food, coriander provides a spicy flavor.
Many people love its taste because it adds a fresh flavor to dishes without overpowering them. Others dislike the smell and taste of coriander because they find it too strong.
But there is more to coriander than meets the eye. There are two types of coriander – sweet and hot. Sweet coriander is milder and sweeter tasting compared to hot coriander.
Sweet coriander is usually grown for its seeds, often called cilantro. This type of coriander is easy to grow and is very low maintenance.
Hot coriander is most commonly used in Indian cuisine. Hot coriander gives a rich flavor to curries and sauces, making it popular among Indians.
Some people say that hot coriander tastes better than sweet coriander. However, the opposite is true for those who prefer sweet coriander.
There are many reasons why people enjoy different varieties of coriander. For example, one person may love the taste of coriander, while another enjoys the aroma.
Whether you like sweet or hot coriander, you might be surprised to learn that you can buy both types of coriander online.
What plant helps with infection?
There are plants out there that help fight infections. Some even contain anti-bacterial properties. One of them is mint.
Mint has been used for centuries to treat respiratory infections such as cold symptoms and flu. Mint also supports digestion and relieves gas pains. You may find relief with peppermint tea if you have an upset stomach. Peppermint oil has antibacterial properties, which make it effective against germs.
Peppermint tea contains menthol, beta-carotene, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, iron, and potassium. These nutrients support healthy immune systems and provide energy to keep your body strong.
You can make peppermint tea at home by adding one teaspoon of dried mint leaves to boiling water. Let steep for five minutes and drink hot three times per day.
Or you can buy peppermint tea bags at any grocery store. Simply add two teaspoons of dried mint leaves to a cup of hot water. Steep for 10 minutes and strain. Drink hot three times per day for best results.
Statistics
- The global herbs market is expected to reach more than $125 billion by the end of 2025.
- The herbs market is highly competitive, with over 1,000 herb suppliers and over 15,000 herbs products available in the United States alone.
External Links
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- Ashwagandha | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
- Grape Seed | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
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- Peppermint oil (Mintoil®) in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: A prospective, double-blind placebo-controlled randomized trial
- Curcumin reverses the effects of chronic stress on behavior, the HPA axis, BDNF expression, and phosphorylation of CREB
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How To
How do I know if my herbs have been treated with pesticides?
If you see a pesticide label on your herbs, the plants were sprayed with chemicals before being sold to you.
These chemicals harm human health and could cause cancer or other serious illnesses.
Unfortunately, this practice has become common around the globe. Many countries allow farmers to spray their crops with pesticides without proper regulation.
In order not to harm themselves, consumers should always ask about the source of their produce. If it comes from a farmer near you, it’s safe to assume it was not treated with pesticides.
However, there are still ways to ensure that your herbs are free from harmful chemicals.
However, if you want to ensure that your herbs aren’t contaminated, you can purchase organic herbs directly from the farm.
This way, you won’t need to worry about the safety of your herbs. You can trust that they weren’t exposed to harmful chemicals.
Resources:
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