NEEDLE CHERVIL Meaning and
Definition
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Needle chervil, scientifically known as Chaerophyllum bulbosum, is a biennial plant species belonging to the Apiaceae family. It is native to Europe and can also be found in some parts of North America.
Needle chervil typically grows up to one meter tall and has a robust and hollow stem. The leaves are finely divided, resembling a delicate, needle-like structure, which attribute to its common name. The plant produces small clusters of white flowers that form umbrella-shaped inflorescences during its flowering period. The flowers are followed by small, elongated fruits containing seeds.
Cultivated mainly for its edible bulbs, needle chervil has culinary uses similar to its relative, the common chervil (Chaerophyllum temulentum). The bulbs of the plant are harvested after the first year of growth, usually in autumn. They are known for their delicate, sweet flavor and are popularly used as a gourmet vegetable in certain cuisines. Furthermore, the leaves of needle chervil can be used as a substitute for parsley due to their similar taste and appearance.
In addition to its culinary value, needle chervil also serves as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes due to its delicate foliage and clusters of white flowers. However, it is worth noting that needle chervil should be handled with caution, as ingestion of its foliage or bulbs in large quantities can lead to poisoning, particularly affecting the digestive system.
Common Misspellings for NEEDLE CHERVIL
Etymology of NEEDLE CHERVIL
The word "needle chervil" is derived from the combination of two terms: "needle" and "chervil".
1. Needle: The term "needle" in this context refers to the shape or appearance of the leaves of the plant. The leaves of needle chervil are finely dissected, thin, and needle-like, resembling the shape of a sewing needle. This term is used to describe various plants or herbs with similar leaf structures.
2. Chervil: Chervil is a culinary herb belonging to the parsley family. Its scientific name is Anthriscus cerefolium. The word "chervil" originates from the Latin word "cerefolium", which comes from Greek κερωφύλλον (kerōphyllon), a combination of the terms "keras" (meaning horn) and "phyllon" (meaning leaf).
