Why Anise Hyssop is Your New Favorite Herb
Anise Hyssop is an herb truly worth all the hype. Its warranted amazingness gave it a ‘2019 Herb of the Year’ award by the International Herb Association (yes, that exists). Once you try it, you’ll need little convincing, but as a prelude to the abundant Anise season we’re entering, it only makes sense to invite you into the reason behind all the excitement!
Anise is a perennial member of the mint family- but don’t let that deceive you; it tastes nothing like mint! The sweet licorice-like flavor and smell comes from both the leaves and the pointy purple flower. One of the best parts about growing the herb is its long growing season. In California, we can start harvesting leaves in late April and continue to cut the long-holding blooms through August. Drought tolerant, attractive to pollinators, and easy sprouting year after year... What more could a farmer ask for?
It’s not the long vase life, soil health contributions, or the thousands of bees it brings to the farm that makes us love Anise so much. (Though who needs harvesting music when you’re surrounded by the loud hum of tiny bumble buzzers?) What drew us to start growing this specialty herb 2 years ago is its incredible versatility. Here’s some of the ways we’ve used it over the past year and invite you to plan on using it this season!
Anise, marigold, chamomile, & pineapple sage dried herbal December tea medly
Strawberry-Anise Hyssop Gin & Tonic
Farmer Adrienne after work ready to whip up a zucchini stir-fry garnished with fresh Anise leaves!
Anise Hyssop simple syrup, especially delicious in baking and specialty drinks!
Anise was a highlight of the holiday wine and wreath workshop, present in nearly every participant’s wreath!
Fresh Anise flowers and greenery for New Leaf Market mixed bouquets
CSA holiday wreaths including dried anise flowers- they hold their purple color almost indefinitely when kept out of direct sunlight.
S&P wholesale partners love using all our flowers to add better taste and appearance to summertime salads.
Single ornamental bunches being harvested for market by Farmer Morgan
Anise sun tea for all our southern souls. Keep an eye out for recipe coming soon.