Finding Greens or a Suitable Replacement

Hello!
I'm having quite a time finding watercress and chervil. Know anybody in the area (Niles/Skokie, etc) that sells these, or a suitable substitution? I'm using the watercress to make Pear Watercress Soup this weekend, and I don't remember what the chervil was to be used for; possibly beet soup.

Thanks!

Watercress isn't that hard to find, in my experience. Lincolnwood Produce has it--look in their herb selection for it in wrapped bunches. I've also seen it at the Dominick's on McCormick in L'wood and at the Jewel on Howard and Kedzie. Chervil is less common, and I can't remember seeing it (I can't remember looking for it either). Maybe Whole Foods? Let us know what you find. I will say that the amazin' new Fresh Fields of Niles did not have the largest selection of fresh herbs I've seen. I was looking for chives and they didn't have any, at least that I could find.

I'd also try Jerry's Fruit Market on Milwaukee near Oakton.

HI,

I've seen watercress at H-mart pretty much every time. I never looked for chervil.

Regards,

EvA wrote:I will say that the amazin' new Fresh Fields of Niles did not have the largest selection of fresh herbs I've seen.

If they don't have watercress, the Jewel across the street (Village Crossing) usually has it. Not sure about chervil though.

Pear watercress soup sounds really good.

Chervil is pretty uncommon around here...I can't remember ever seeing it at a "normal" grocery store. You might have better luck at a farmer's market, but it might also be too early in the season for that. I've always thought chervil tastes a bit like a cross between tarragon and parsley, but much, much more delicate than either. Depending what you're using it in, you may be able to get away with using a combination of those (but you'll probably notice a difference.) It's possible you could use fennel fronds as well.

eli wrote:I've always thought chervil tastes a bit like a cross between tarragon and parsley, but much, much more delicate than either. Depending what you're using it in, you may be able to get away with using a combination of those (but you'll probably notice a difference.) It's possible you could use fennel fronds as well.

I've usually substituted parsley for chervil.

I was actually thinking of dumping in the rest of my old anise seeds and some parsley, so maybe I'll try that.

As for watercress, I did check Lincolnwood Produce but I think I was checking more in the greens section with spinach and all that stuff. I'll check again today and let you guys know.

As for the soup, I'll be sure to post a picture and details!

I've seen both at Whole Foods. Watercress is usually in the area with lettuce, hearty greens, etc. Chervil is usually with the packaged herbs. Ask an employee if you don't see it.

I did find the watercress this time! It was packaged, and I was looking for unpackaged. So this weekend I'll be making the soup and posting the picture soon after. As for chervil, I not only couldn't find it, but I couldn't figure out why it was on my list to begin with. But when I find what that recipe was, I'll know where to look.

If you're at all inclined, I've found chervil very easy to grow from seed in pots on my deck. You can order seeds at most seed suppliers. I got mine from:

http://www.seedsavers.org

but it appears they don't have them anymore. They do have them here tho:

http://www.burpee.com/product/herbs/chervil/chervil%2C+curled+-+(1+packet).do

Jewel has watercress?!? Not my Jewel, as far as I know. (Yes, I'm embarassed to admit, I do have a "my" Jewel.)

But I always see it at the Garden Fresh Market in Mundelein.

Katie wrote:Jewel has watercress?!? Not my Jewel, as far as I know. (Yes, I'm embarassed to admit, I do have a "my" Jewel.)

I can only speak for the one on Touhy in Niles. That store seems to have more of an international focus than most other Jewels.