Organic Anise - Ferme de Sainte Marthe

Anise (Pimpinella anisum), also known as green anise, aniseed, or sweet cumin, is an annual herbaceous plant. It is cultivated for its very aromatic leaves and seeds which bring flavour to salads, sauces and stews.

The erect plant has hollow, hairy stems which grow to about 40 to 80 cm in height. The shape of the leaves varies: those at the base are heart-shaped while those at the top are divided into numerous small leaflets.

The flowers are small, white and grouped into umbels. The fruit is grey-green, small, dry and oval. It is slightly ribbed and pubescent, like the stems.

Anise is a popular spice. Its fresh or dried leaves can be used in salads, marinades or sauces to accompany meat or fish. Its seeds are commonly used in preserves.

Aniseed contains anethole-based essential oil, sesquiterpenes and phenolic acids. It can be used to relieve indigestion. It also has antibacterial, expectorant, antispasmodic and antifungal properties.

Harvesting: harvest the leaves when required during the growing season; the seeds can be collected in late summer, early autumn.

Preservation: anise leaves and seeds can be dried, crushed and stored in airtight boxes for later use.

Good to know: anise is a sun-loving plant. If your soil is too compact, amend it with sand, soil and compost. Anise can be used to ward off aphids, caterpillars and worms.

NB. Organic seeds (in French "AB" for "Agriculture Biologique") are produced from plants that aren't treated with phytosanitary products (insecticides, weed killers). The seeds do not undergo post-harvest treatment. They carry the AB label and are approved by Ecocert, an independent structure.