Anthriscus cerefolium – aromatic cut leaf

Native to Eastern Europe, chervil was widely adopted in medieval herb gardens. It is sometimes nicknamed "poets' parsley" for its delicacy and symbolic uses. The cut leaves retain their sweet aroma when stored properly away from light.

Description

Light to dark green leaf fragments, light and airy texture. Fresh, slightly aniseed odor. Mild, vegetal, and aromatic taste.

Nomenclature

• Common names: Chervil, common chervil, poet's parsley
• Latin name: Anthriscus cerefolium
• Family: Apiaceae
• Part used: Leaves
• Shape: Cut
• Origin: Eastern Europe, Western Asia
• English name: Chervil
• German name: Kerbel
• Name in Spanish: Perifollo
• Name in Italian: Cerfoglio
• Name in Arabic: بقدونس فرنسي (Baqdūnis Faransī)

Main virtues

Traditionally used for its aromatic sweetness, chervil is used in digestive infusions, refreshing culinary preparations, and poultices to soothe the skin. It is also appreciated in broths, green sauces, and salad herbs.

Main constituents

Essential oils (methylchavicol), flavonoids, coumarins, vitamins C and A, minerals.

Use and dosage

• Infusion: 1 to 2 teaspoons for 250 ml of simmering water, infuse for 5 to 7 minutes.
• Cooking: added fresh or dried to cooked dishes, omelets, soups or sauces.
• External use: mild decoction for mouthwash or soothing compresses.

Precautions, side effects and contraindications

• Avoid in case of known allergy to Apiaceae (parsley, carrot, celery, etc.)
• Use in moderation due to the presence of coumarins.
• Store away from moisture and light.

History and origin

A traditional plant of monastic gardens, chervil was once consumed in spring to "purify the blood" in European botanical rituals. It features in many medieval medicinal cookbooks and remains a staple herb today.

Miscellaneous information

• Storage: opaque kraft bag or airtight jar.
• Packaging: cut sheet, loose or resealable bag.
• Appearance: Light pieces of green leaves.
• Smell: fresh, slightly aniseed.

Sources and references

• Pl@ntUse – https://uses.plantnet-project.org
• Dioscorides Herbarium – Ancient Botanical Manuscripts
• Culinary traditions of Eastern Europe
• Corpus of medieval phytogastronomy

🔎 Information

The products on aromacentre.fr are not medicines. They are natural, plant-based treatments. All usage advice on our site is for informational purposes only. Any additional requests should be made to a qualified healthcare professional. In accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 on nutrition and health claims made on foods, we are unable to publish this information on the site. Taking this product does not exempt you from consulting a doctor or prescribing it. Ask your doctor or healthcare practitioner for advice. Be sure to read the precautions for use before using any medicinal plants. The use of herbal preparations is not recommended without consulting your doctor or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with medications prescribed by the patient, reducing their therapeutic effectiveness or causing toxicity. They can also worsen the weakening of the body's vital functions, thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life-threatening risks.

Disclaimer

The Apophycaire brand, the aromacentre.fr website, and SAS LPBE disclaim all liability for the use of the information on this site. Each individual is responsible for the use of these products and must ensure that their use is appropriate for their health.