Anise (pronounced a-nice’) has become increasingly popular as a garden crop. This licorice-flavored and scented herb is native to the Mediterranean region and to Southern Europe. Anise is related to parsley, dill and caraway. This plant was introduced to the U.S. during the 18th Century.
The consumer has found many ways to use anise over the centuries. The leaves of anise can be added to salads or as a garnish; the seeds can be used in baking cookies and pastries. Oils are also extracted from the seeds and used as flavoring. Mature green leaves can be used to make a refreshing tea. Just ad 2-3 tablespoons of fresh leaves to three cups of hot water and let steep for at least five minutes.
There are many recipes that include anise including salads, cookies and bread. Anise is used in many Italian, German and Asian food dishes.
Anise is often used to treat minor stomach ailments. Hippocrates recommended anise for the treatment of coughs. Pliny used it as a breath freshener. Anise has been used in Chinese prescriptions for heatstroke, headache, angina and fever. It is used dried in floral arrangements. The oils from anise are used in many perfumes and in aroma therapy. Anise is also used to flavor many alcoholic drinks including Ouzo, absinthe and anisette.
Anise is an annual that likes full sunlight and light, well-drained soil. It can grow to a height of 24″ and can be about 12″ wide. Anise flowers from July-August in most areas.
Since anise needs plenty of food to grow vigorously, start by adding a 3″ layer of compost or dried manure to the soil. Till the soil to a depth of about 12″. The manure or compost will add nutrients and improve drainage.
Plant your anise crop in early spring about two weeks after the threat of frost has passed. Anise grows best in rows 24″ wide and 3′ apart. Plant seeds 1/2″ deep and 3″ apart. It can take anise seeds 7-10 days to germinate.The flowers of the anise plant are white and about 3mm in diameter. The fruit is oblong and 3-5 mm long. The pods of the plant are called “aniseed.”
When the seedlings are about 6″ tall, thin to allow about 18″ between each plant. Anise can be harvested in as little as 80-120 days, depending on the variety.
There are several varieties of anise available from your local gardening shop or online from seed companies.
Water your plants regularly, keeping the soil moist but not overly wet. Add mulch to discourage weed growth. Add a side dressing of compost or manure once a month.
You can also grow anise in containers. Choose a container that is at least 8″ wide and 8″ deep. Place the container on a sunny windowsill.
Plant a few anise plants in your garden or in pots. This plant is easy to grow and its aromatic and flavorful leaves and seeds add a fresh and distinctive flavor to many dishes.
Sources:
http://www.usagardener.com
http://www.harvestwizard.com
