ANISE SEEDS

Pimpinella anisum

An ancient and fragrant medicinal annual grown primarily for its fruits, otherwise known as seeds. The seeds produce the anise oil that flavors pastis, raki and ouzo, as well as innumerable Christmas confections in the United States and Canada.

Crushed or whole fresh anise seeds produce superior Italian biscotti. Steamed milk steeped with anise seeds is a delicious remedy for both restless toddlers and grown-up insomniacs. Anise contains powerful phytoestrogens that are potentially beneficial for nursing mothers and estrogen-deficient women of all ages.

These seeds should be sown directly into the garden as soon as soils warm to about 65°F. Flowers attract all manner of beneficial insects. Anise requires a hot summer to produce ripe seeds. Foliage may be snipped and used like dill or fennel and is especially nice with roasted carrots.

This year (2024) we have an amazingly fragrant strain that may be a bit less compact than our previous offerings. Worth trying for the fantastic sweet fragrance and flavor!

Packet contains at least 300 seeds.