Chervis

Chervis (Sium sisarum), proposed by AKÈNE

?? A tasty and rustic old vegetable ??

Chervis is a hardy perennial plant that deserves to find its place in today's vegetable gardens . Long cultivated in Europe for its sweet white roots , it is appreciated for its subtle taste reminiscent of parsnips and its ease of maintenance . This plant can reach 1.2 meters in height and produces, in summer, graceful umbels of white flowers that attract a multitude of pollinators .

?? Adapted to rich, moist soils , chervil thrives in full sun or partial shade and tolerates cooler, deeper soils that most vegetables shun. Once established, it is perennial and naturally reseeds , allowing for an annual harvest without having to replant.

Characteristics of the variety

?? Flowering : July to August
?? Height : 120 cm
?? Spacing : 45 cm
?? Exposure : Sun, partial shade
?? Life cycle : Perennial
?? Soil type : Loamy to clayey, rich
?? Soil moisture content : Medium to moist
?? Deer Resistance : Low
?? Seeds per packet : 100

Sowing and cultivation

?? Sowing depth : 5 mm
?? Germination time : 15 to 20 days
?? Cold stratification : 45 days
? Scarification : Soaking for 24 hours

?? Indoor method (for optimal germination) :
1?? Soak the seeds in cool water for 24 hours .
2?? Mix them with three parts moist vermiculite and place them in an airtight bag in the refrigerator for 45 to 60 days .
3?? After stratification, sow in pots indoors in March .
4?? Replant in the garden after the last frosts , spacing the plants 45 cm apart.

?? Outdoor method :
?? Sow directly in the fall to allow natural stratification during the winter.
?? Use mulch (chipped branch wood, leaves, bark) to conserve moisture and limit competition from unwanted weeds .

?? Once well established, the chervil returns every year and produces regular harvests without requiring replanting.

Medicinal and culinary uses

?? A forgotten vegetable to rediscover
Chervil roots are harvested in the fall and can be steamed, roasted, or added to soups and stews . Their sweetness and melting texture make them an excellent side vegetable.

?? Edible leaves and young shoots , raw or cooked.
?? Medicinal properties : Diuretic and tonic.

Roasted Chervil with Butter and Herbs

?? A simple recipe to rediscover this forgotten vegetable!

Ingredients (4 servings)

• 500 g of chervil roots , washed and peeled


• 2 tbsp butter (or olive oil for a vegan version)


• 1 clove of garlic , chopped


• 1 tsp honey (optional, to accentuate the natural sweetness)


• 1 sprig of fresh thyme


• 1 pinch of salt and pepper


• 1 squeeze of lemon juice (optional)

Preparation

1?? Blanch the roots : Plunge the chervils into a pan of boiling salted water for 5 minutes , then drain them. This helps to soften them and preserve their melting texture.

2?? Roast : In a frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic, then the chervils. Brown them for 10-15 minutes , turning them regularly, until they are golden and slightly caramelized.

3?? Season : Add thyme, honey (if using), salt and pepper. Mix well and cook for another 2 minutes .

4?? Serve : Drizzle with lemon juice before serving, to balance the flavors.

?? Enjoy as an accompaniment to a main dish , or mixed with other roasted vegetables such as carrots and parsnips.

?? Why this recipe?
?? Simple and quick , it allows you to appreciate the subtle flavor of chervil.
?? Gentle caramelization : Butter and honey enhance its natural sweetness.
?? Easily adaptable : Add roasted hazelnuts, fresh parsley or even a little grated parmesan for variety!

Ecological roles and utilities

?? An ally of pollinators : Its honey-producing white flowers attract bees and butterflies .
?? A soil stabilizer : Its deep root system helps prevent erosion in sustainable vegetable gardens.
?? A self-sufficient perennial vegetable : It reseeds easily , allowing for a continuous supply without effort.

Companion plants

?? Borage, carrot, celery, parsnip

Enemy plants

?? Fennel

Why grow chervil?

?? A forgotten vegetable with a mild and refined taste
?? An asset for biodiversity thanks to its honey-producing flowers
?? Easy to maintain, it comes back every year without replanting
?? Perfect for wet soils often neglected by other crops

?? Add chervil to your vegetable garden for a rustic, tasty and ecological crop!