Sweet Cicely Seeds
Sweet cicely (Myrrhis odorata) is an underrated plant
deserving of more attention as a culinary herb and as a sugar
saver. The sweet, anise-flavoured leaves and stalks are used as a
sweetener in desserts, saving as much as half the sugar. Because
it has no calories, sweet cicely is a good alternative in sugarreduced
diets. Sweet cicely is tolerated well by diabetics.
Also known as Myrhh, this is grown in the garden both as an herb and flowering perennial. Foliage is bright green and almost fernlike in appearance, with a strong flavor and smell of sweet licorice. Large umbels of tiny white flowers appear in early summer, followed by shiny black seeds. Prune back hard after flowering to rejuvenate the leaves. Excellent for specimen effect in the June border.
Useful gardening information
Sweet cicely may be sown directly in the garden outdoors in
summer or autumn. Plant deeper than you would in a seed box,
about 1/2" deep, but keep the spacing of the seeds the
same.
Rodents love to eat the seeds, so protect seeds by laying a
1/4" mesh wire screen over the seeded area. Cover the
screen with a mulch and leave on until early spring. before
germination begins.
Links to useful information on the web:
Sweet Cicely History, Benefits and Uses
HR114 Sweet Cicely ( Myrrhis odorata )
A hardy perennial growing to 2-3 ft. Prefers moist, but well
drained soil and shade or at least partial shade. White flowers
are very aromatic. Fresh leaves used in salads. Seeds used in
pastries and salads. Peeled roots are grated and eaten raw or
steamed. Tea made from cicely is considered to be an excellent
tonic and is considered a mild laxative.
Parts of plant to use for tea: Leaves
Taste: Has a sweet, anise flavor.
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