Chervil, also known as garden chervil, is a delicate annual herb people use in the kitchen. With the scientific name Anthriscus cerefolium, is is used as a seasoning for milf-flavored dishes. It also has the following health benefits.
Chervil and Cardiovascular System
Chervil promotes cardiovascular health. According to Only Foods, chervil can be used to manage hypertension or high blood pressure. As per the publication, it can also be taken as herbal tea to enhance blood flow. This way, oxygen supply will also be adequate, relieving tired or irritated eyes.
Chervil and Fluid Balance
Chervil contains sodium and potassium. Both are vital in regulating fluid balance, with the former important in water retention and the latter useful countering too much fluid retention. As per Style Craze, the plant also has diuretic properties, which help the body eliminate unneeded fluid from the body.
Chervil as Antiseptic
Cherviil helps prevent infection with its antiseptic properties. As per Nutrition and You, the plant contains eugenol, which has therapeutic uses as a local anesthetic and antiseptic for teeth and gums. In addition, the agent has also proven its ability to reduce blood sugar levels in diabetic patients.
Sample Recipe
One dish that makes use of chervil is Pan Seared Tuna with Citrus-Herb Vinaigrette. According to All Recipes, the ingredients include half cup of olive oil, one tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley, one-fourth tablespoon of red pepper flakes, four fillets of yellowfin or ahi tuna steaks (sushi-grade), two tablespoon red wine vinegar, two tablespoons fresh orange juice, a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, one and a half teaspoons of fresh lime juice, one and a half teaspoons of soy sauce, one shallot (chopped), one tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley, one and a half teaspoons of fresh thyme, one and a half teaspoons of chopped fresh dill, one tablespoon of honey, one teaspoon of Dijon mustard, half jalapeno or serrano chili pepper, one and a half teaspoons of minced ginger, three-fourth cup olive oil, 48 haricots verts, 16 baby carrots,16 grape or cherry tomatoes (halved), 16 olives (pitted and halved), one red onion (thinly sliced), and a cup of chervil sprigs.
To prepare, as per the publication, one tablespoon of parsley, half cup of olive oil, and red pepper flakes are stirred together. Next, the tuna is tossed with marinade and is set aside for 30 minutes. Then orange juice, lime juice, lemon juice, vinegar, and soy sauce are poured into the blender bowl. After that, the shallot, thyme, honey, jalapeno, ginger, Dijon mustarrd, dill, and the tablespoon of parsley are added and blended on high until they become smooth. Once done, three-fourth cup of olive oil is added while the blender is running. Then, the mixture is seasoned with salt and pepper and then set aside.
A large pot of salted water is brought to a boil over high heat. Next, another huge container is filled with half ice and half cold water and is set aside. Then, the haricot verts are added to the boiling water and are cooked for 35 to 40 seconds, until tender. After that, the water is removed and the verts are plunged into the ice water to cool. Also, the carrots are blanched for about one and a half minutes until tender and then chilled in ice water until cold.
Once cold, the vegetables are removed from the ice water and are pat dry. They are placed into a huge bowl and are tossed with the halved tomatoes, onion, olives, and chervil. After that, they are set aside. Then, a skillet is heated over high heat until very hot. Next, the tuna steaks are removed from marinade; excess marinade is wiped off. Then, the tuna is seasoned to taste, before it is seared in hot skillet for about one minute per side, until desired doneness is achieved.
The vegetable salad is tossed with enough dressing to lightly coat. The salad is divided among four plates, with a seared tuna placed on top of each. Finally, they are drizzled with additional dressing to serve.
Above all, chervil is considered one of the healthy ingredients in many dishes. So, including it to various meal recipes will help boost the nutrition it gives to the body.
