Herb Anise Seeds - Perennial

 

When to Sow Anise Seeds

Outside in April

Where to Sow

In shallow drills, cover lightly with fine soil or compost. Thin to about 30cm apart. The seedlings will not readily transplant. Water if dry. Grow in a good light soil with some lime and site in full sun and sheltered position.

What to do next

Harvest when tips of fruit have turned greyish-green. Cut stalks at ground level and tie in bundles and suspend upside down, putting paper underneath to collect the seeds. It will be a week before the seeds are properly ripened.

Handy Tip

Use the seeds in fish and poultry dishes, soups and creamy sauces. Cakes and biscuits are enhanced by the aniseed flavour. The fresh raw leaves can be used in salads and in cream cheese and or vegetables.

MEDICINAL
Aniseed crushed makes a good tea by infusing 15gms aniseed in 1/2 litre boiling water for 10 minutes. It is one of the best known digestive herbs and will also soothe coughs, headaches and relieve catarrh. The seeds may be chewed to sweeten the breath. Aniseed is much used in flavouring for liquers