The Anise Herb

The anise herb (pimpinella anisum), is a flowering plant in the Apiaceae family and is native to the eastern Mediterranean region and Southwest Asia.

The Pimpinella species is not to be confused with the star anise, or the Japanese star anise.

Licorice-flavored Anise Herb seeds are great for making breads, cakes, and cookies.

The sweetness of the anise seeds let you cut down slightly on the sugar in your recipes.

You'll also appreciate the beneficial effect of anise on your digestive system.

Anise will make a great addition to any garden.

Description

Anise is an annual that grows about 2 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide. The flowers are whitish yellow umbels, like those of Queen-Anne's-Lace, and bloom in summer. The leaves are ferny and also resemble the Queen- Anne's-Lace.

Anise has a spicy sweet, licorice-like flavor and aroma.

How To Grow Anise

When to plant: You'll need to sow the seeds in spring where plants are to grow, or start indoors in plantable peat or newspaper pots, eight weeks before your last spring frost date. You'll want to transplant to your garden after all danger of frost has past

Where to plant: Anise needs to be planted in full sun.

Soil and fertility: Anise grows best in light, lean, well-drained soil. DO NOT FERTILIZE!

Plant spacing: Plant 1 foot apart in groups of five plants, or stake single plants to keep them upright.

Pest: This herb is pest-free.

Diseases: This herb is also disease-free.

Harvesting Anise

When to harvest: Pick the leaves in the summer before the plants bloom. Collect seeds when their ripe at anytime when the dew is dry in the early fall.

How to harvest: Snip the leaves in the morning; for drying, strip leaves from cut stems. As the seeds approach ripeness, enclose the seed heads to prevent them from dropping. Cut the whole seed heads when the dew has dried.

Drying: Hang the stems to air dry the leaves. Let the seeds dry fully, then store in tightly covered jars.

Freezing: You can freeze the chopped leaves of anise.

Anise Uses

Cooking: You can use fresh leaves and seeds in salads. Use dried, frozen, or fresh leaves with chicken, fish, and vegetables. You can also use the seeds in bakes goods.

Medicinal: Anise can aid in digestion. You can use a strong infusion of leaves or seeds to ease a cough.

Tips On Growing Anise

The anise herb is an excellent companion plant to grow with cilantro.