Chervil, like parsley, is one of the common garnishes for food. With the scientific name Anthriscus cerefolium, the plant is also called garden chervil to identify it from similar plants. Native to the Caucasus and was spread by the Romans throughout Europe, chervil is packed with the following health benefits.
General Nutrition
Chervil is rich in nutrients. According to Nutrition and You, it contains vitamins A, B, and C. Vitamin A is known to be essential to man’s vision and it also contributes to overall integrity of the skin and mucus membranes. On the other hand, vitamin B helps boost the function of the nervous system, which covers learning, thinking, memory, and sensation. Chervil is also rich in the B-vitamin called folate, which aids in the development of the baby’s brain during pregnancy. Also, folate prevents nervous conditions like neural tube defect. Chervil also has vitamin C, which is known for its ability to boost the body’s defenses against infection and illness. The vitamin also promotes the function of the substance collagen, which acts as cement and binds loosely connected cells and tissues.
In terms of minerals, chervil contains calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, sodium, potassium, and zinc. Calcium is vital for the bones while zinc promotes digestive health and wound healing. Iron ensures adequate oxygenation while magnesium enhances neuromuscular coordination. Copper and manganese promote metabolism and the growth and development of cells and tissues. Finally, sodium and potassium work hand in hand to maintain fluid balance, with the latter also contributing to cardiovascular health.
Medicinal Uses
Chervil has a number of medicinal uses. According to Only Foods, the herb can be utilized as a skin tonic, allowing it to address different skin conditions like acne and eczema. Also, it helps clear up hemorrhoids and improve blood flow, reducing high blood pressure. Chervil tea can also be drunken to relive flu, cough, and colds, and sooth exhausted eyes. It also has certain properties that promote the health of the liver.
Recipe
Chervil can be added to various meal recipes, such as Warm Salmon and Grape Tomato Salad. According to All Recipes, the ingredients include a tablespoon of butter, four four-ounce fillets skinless salmon, two cups of grape tomatoes, three cloves of garlic (minced), two teaspoons of all-purpose flour, a cup of ten percent or 18 percent cream, one lemon (cut to eight wedges), eight cups of coarsely torn romaine lettuce hearts, and two tablespoons of chopped chervil, fresh basil, or dill.
To prepare, as per the publication, a skillet is heated until hot. Then, the butter is added, spreading it to coat. Next, the salmon fillet flesh is placed side down in the skillet and is seared for about three minutes or until browned. After that, with a slotted spatula, it is transferred to a plate and is seared side up.
Once done, the tomatoes are added to the skillet and are sautéed for three minutes, or until browned and starting to pop. Next, it is transferred to a bowl using a spatula. After that, heat is reduced to medium and the pan is allowed to cool slightly. Then, garlic is added to pan off the heat and is sautéed for 15 seconds, until fragrant.
Next, the flour is whisked into cream and the mixture is poured into the skillet and is stirred. Then, the skillet is returned to the heat and is brought to simmer, with constant stirring. After that, the salmon is returned to the pan, with seared side up. Then, heat is reduced to medium-low, allowing the dish to simmer for two to seven minutes; the time depends on the thickness of the salmon, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Then, it is removed from heat.
The lettuce is arranged on plates and is topped with tomatoes and salmon. Then, the sauce is stirred in pan and is drizzled over the salad. Finally, the dish is sprinkled with basil and is served with lemon wedges to squeeze over top.
Chervil is considered one of the healthy food options. So, its addition to various meal recipes helps promote man’s health.
Source: appreciategoods.com
