Aniseed – aromatic herb with a liquorice note
Aniseed is a classic spice plant that gives both fragrant leaves and seeds with a liquorice-like flavour. Ideal if you want to grow aniseed for both seasoning and tea.
What defines Aniseed
Aniseed is an annual herb with fine leaves and white flowers that develop into seed capsules full of flavourful seeds. The seeds are small, oval and grey-green.
Background and name
Aniseed has been grown since antiquity and is well known in both cooking and natural medicine. It originally comes from the Mediterranean region but has spread across the world.
Appearance and growth habit
The plant grows to about 50–70 cm tall and does best in a sunny position. It bears umbels similar to dill, followed by ripening seed.
Flavour and uses of Aniseed
The seeds have a sweet, warm, liquorice-like flavour. The leaves are milder but also useful in cooking.
Ways to use Aniseed
Use the seeds in bread, cakes, schnapps or tea. They also go very well in fish dishes, marinades and homemade digestif blends.
Growing tips for Aniseed
Sow directly outdoors in May–June in a sunny spot, ideally in sandy, well-drained soil. Harvest the seeds when the flowers dry.
Want to grow aniseed for both flavour and scent? Get your aniseed seeds and create your own spice treasure in the garden!
