Sweet Cicely, Myrrhis odorata, is a hardy perennial herb
that grows well in partial shade. We've had some discussion
lately as to whether it could be used as a sugar substitute.
It can be added to some dishes to reduce the sweetener,
but it's not actually a sugar substitute.
The fresh leaves can be used in salads and you can chop it
to use in dishes containing rhubarb, gooseberries and other
fruits. They can also be used in fruit salads and drinks. You
can use the leaves when baking fish for a nice change. Sweet
cicely has a flavor that is similar to anise, but lighter. It can be
used in herb vinegars as well.
The root of sweet cicely can be boiled and eaten as you
would a root vegetable, or steamed. It can also be candied
and used as a breathe freshener or to soothe a sore throat.
The seeds can be used in cakes and candy. The leaves can
be dried and used in tea blends, but do use it in moderation
since it can be a mild laxative.
Sweet cicely is hardy to Zone 2 and is easy to grow. However,
it is difficult to germinate the seed because it needs to freeze,
then thaw before germinating. Also the seed needs to be fresh
to get a good germination rate. It's easiest to look for a plant.
Sweet cicely likes a soil that is rich and on the moist side. It
also does well in a shaded location. If you are in a hot climate
the shade is really important, and the moisture because it
doesn't do well in the heat.
Apples with Sweet Cicely
Ingredients:
1 1/2 pounds cooking apples
honey or other sweetener to taste
2 teaspoons minced sweet cicely
Peel the apples, core and slice. Place them into a heavy
skillet with water to cover the bottom of the pan. Add the
sweetener to taste, depending on how tart the apples are.
Cover and cook until the apples are tender. Stir the sweet
cicely into the apples and cool in the pan. Serve warm or
cold with whipped cream.
Richters
Herbs and Thompson & Morgan carry sweet cicely seeds.
About the author:
Brenda Hyde is a wife and mom to three living in the Midwest
United States. She is also editor of OldFashionedLiving.com.
Perennial & Landscaping Resources
Breck's: Bulbs & Plants
Spring Hill Nursery
Michigan Bulb
Henry Field's
Gurney's Seed & Nursery
Jackson & Perkins
White
Flower Farm
Nature Hills Nursery
