Anise Seed

Description

Also known as aniseed.

The Romans grew fields of Anise in Tuscany and used it for a special spiced cake used as a finishing dish for a feast! With many culinary and medicinal uses, anise is well worth growing.

Grown mainly for its seeds, young leaves can be chopped and added to salads whilst stems and roots can be use in soups.

Seeds have a strong aniseed flavour.

A member of the carrot family. 

• Half hardy annual.
• Likes a sunny, sheltered position.
• Prefers well drained, light, dry, alkaline soil.
• Can be pot grown.
• Reaches 20" (50cm) tall.
• Pretty white flowers July to August.
• Sow seed in shallow drills 9" (22.5cm) apart after all fear of frost has passed.
• Germination can be slow, especially if temperatures are low. 
• Thin to 4" (10cm) apart when large enough to handle. 
• Alternatively, sow direct into small pots or tubs and just cover.
• May require a teepee support as it grows taller.

Top Tips

• White flowers are followed in the late summer by brown seed. Seed heads can become heavy so it is wise to provide support. 
• If weather is too cold the seeds may fail to ripen; in such years cut down the whole plant and slowly dry in a warm place. 
• Being a half-hardy annual Anise is best sown fresh each year.

Culinary Uses

• Can be used to flavour cakes and bread.
• Used in the manufacture of drinks such as Pernod and Ouzo giving them their distinctive flavour.
• Can be added to soup, stew or curry (it will give a hint of liquorice to them).
• Leaves can be eaten in salad.

Medicinal Uses

• Made into a tea it is said to treat coughs, digestive disorders and flatulence.
• Thought to encourage the flow of breast milk.
• Said to ease childbirth.
• Can relieve nausea.
• Can soothe colic in babies.
• Will encourage appetite.
• Can help throat infections.
• Chew slightly roasted seeds to sweeten breathe.
• Aid digestion and flatulence.

Other Uses

• Can be used in mouse traps!
• Seeds can be used in toothpaste, soap, mouthwash and perfume.
• Use in pot pourri.

Disclaimer
As with all alternative medicines and plants with purported medicinal benefits it is important to inform your health care providers that you are using them; this helps to ensure safe and coordinated care. We can accept no liability for any side effect or contingency from any allergy or any other cause or harm that may arise. If in doubt please do consult a medical practitioner before using.

Pricing

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25 = £1.95

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How To...

How To Sow & Grow Herbs
Detailed advice on sowing and growing herbs outside and under protection. Includes information on watering and pest control.

General Information

A Note About Our Seed Packets & Seed Counts
Information on Victoriana's method of packeting seed, including information on the seed packets. Also details on Victoriana's seed guarantee.

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