The Indoor Herb Garden: The Series- Anise

So recently I shared my indoor herb garden- how I started it and what herbs I planted- 36 different varieties to be exact. (Stay tuned for the one week update!) To go along with my indoor herb garden I’m going to be writing blogs on each herb. I will include ways to use the herbs and recipes. Since I am a little OCD I decided I’ll go in alphabetical order. That means the first herb up is Anise.

According to google: Anise (Pimpinella anisum), also known as aniseed or graine d'anis vert, is commonly used for its licorice-tasting seeds, which add sweetness and flavor for cooking and as a tea. Don’t confuse it with star anise or anise hyssop, which are two different herbs.

I will be honest this is an herb that I had really never heard of until I ordered my pack of Organo Republic seeds. Therefore I have been doing research on this. I am amazed and so looking forward to growing Anise. Anise has been used as far back as ancient Egyptian times. There are quite a few medical benefits to this herb not to mention it can be brewed into teas and used in cooking.

First lets explore the medical benefits. Anise seeds infused in water can provide some relief of indigestion, possibly even help with IBS- irritable bowel syndrome. Anise tea may also help fight symptoms of the common cold, bronchitis and asthma. Gargling with a herbal tea made from aniseed, mint, and sage can help a sore throat and mouth ulcers because of its soothing antiseptic properties. And because Anise is packed with antioxidants it can have an anti-inflammatory effect.

In the kitchen, Anise has been used in cookies, cakes, and stews. It brings a warm, licorice taste and can often add a hint of sweetness to these baked goods and other recipes. To use in the kitchen you should toast the seeds lightly to bring out the flavor and then you can crush the seeds before adding to baked goods or other recipes including teas. For teas you can add some honey to your Anise tea or pair it with some cinnamon.

This little seed has so many medicinal uses and can be used in baked goods or can be infused to make tea. I’m so excited to grow Anise in my indoor herb garden!