chervil

Chervil is a small annual with a delicate parsleylike appearance, growing to a height of 30–45 cm/12–18 in. It has a hollow stem and its leaves are often used in cooking as a flavouring.

Any of several plants belonging to the carrot family. The garden chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium) has leaves with a sweetish smell, similar to parsley. It is used as a garnish and in soups. Chervil originated on the borders of Europe and Asia and was introduced to Western Europe by the Romans. (Genus Anthriscus, family Umbelliferae.)