Chevril

Chevril

Scientific Name:
Anthriscus cerefolium

Family:
Apiaceae

Varieties:

• Vertissimo (ID: 171)

Introduction

Anthriscus cerefolium, commonly known as chervil or French parsley, is a delicate annual or biennial herb belonging to the Apiaceae family. It is native to the Caucasus, Middle East, and Russia but has been widely cultivated in Europe and North America. Chervil is valued for its mild, aromatic flavor and is often used in French cuisine as part of the herb mixture fines herbes .

Characteristics

• Physical Characteristics: Chervil grows to a height of 40–70 cm (16–28 in) with fern-like, tripinnate leaves that may be curly. It produces small white flowers in umbels, which are about 2.5–5 cm (1–2 in) across .
• Growing Conditions: Chervil prefers cooler weather and thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 7. It requires moist, well-drained soil with a pH around 6.5 to 7.0. It should be grown in partial shade, especially in warmer climates, to prevent premature flowering .
• Lifecycle: Chervil is typically grown as an annual but can be biennial in milder climates. It matures in about six weeks and can bolt if exposed to high temperatures or drought .

Why is this crop useful for space?

Chervil could be beneficial for space cultivation due to several reasons: - Low Maintenance: Chervil requires minimal care, making it suitable for controlled environments like those found in space. - Nutritional Value: As a source of fresh herbs, chervil can enhance the nutritional and culinary variety in space missions. - Air Purification: Like other plants, chervil can contribute to air purification by removing CO2 and releasing O2. - Psychological Benefits: Growing plants in space can have psychological benefits for astronauts, providing a sense of connection to nature.

History of Cultivation in Space (if there is any)

Currently, there is no specific information available on the cultivation of chervil in space. However, NASA and other space agencies have conducted experiments with various plants in space to explore their growth and potential benefits for future long-duration missions. These experiments often focus on plants that are easy to grow and maintain, like lettuce and radishes, which share similar growing conditions with chervil. As space agriculture continues to evolve, herbs like chervil might become part of future research due to their ease of cultivation and nutritional value.