Anise Garden Planting Seeds
Anise Herb Growing Habits
Open-pollinated Anise herb plants (Pimpinella anisum) will reach heights of 18-24 inches and display large primary leaves and feathery secondary leaves, which turn into clusters of tiny, yellow-white flowers called umbels in midsummer, followed by ribbed teardrop-shaped fruits called Aniseed for which this is herb is especially famous. The seeds are nestled into the umbels and emerge when the full-grown anise herb plant is allowed to dry in the ground or hung upside down to dry in a controlled space.
The Various Uses for the Anise Herb and Seed
Anise herb garden seeds are the most widely used part of the plant. Though the heirloom anise leaves, too, are tasty and can be snipped off and added to salads or sprinkled over finely chopped vegetables. Dry anise leaves after harvest and use in teas. Whole or crushed the Anise seed kernels can be added to bread, cakes, cookies, applesauce, soups, or even beverages.
Anise is also used as a flavoring agent. It has a sweet, aromatic taste that resembles the taste of black licorice. Famously, anise is the primary flavoring in Ouzo, a liqueur originating from Greece.
The Benefits of the Anise Herb and Seed
Anise seeds are rich in nutrients, including iron, manganese, fiber, potassium. The anise herb has been used as a medicinal herb for centuries for a variety of reasons. Historically, both anise leaves and aniseed have been used to relieve an upset stomach, intestinal gas, and a runny nose. Pimpinella anisum leaves brewed into a tea for a cold symptom remedy, such as an expectorant to increase the progression of cough, as a diuretic to increase urine flow, and as an aid to increase appetite stimulant.
It is suggested that anethole, the active Organic compound that gives aniseed and the anise plant its unique flavor, helps to reduce inflammation and to balance blood sugar levels.
Heirloom Anise herb gardening seeds.
