Anise Hyssop Sun Tea

It grows wild in northern regions of north america sprawling across open prairie land and creating vast stretches of lavender blossoms from june to september.

Anise hyssop sun tea. The name anise hyssop is somewhat confusing as it is neither anise seed pimpinella anisum or star anise illicium verum nor hyssop hyssopus officinalis. Native americans made tea from the leaves and valued anise hyssop as a. Store any leftover tea in the refrigerator. Anise hyssop is a perennial flower native to north america that has a long bloom duration showy flowers and valuable to wildlife.

Anise hyssop agastache foeniculum. Anise hyssop agastache foeniculum is an herbaceous perennial with vibrant purple or blue flowers. Besides being of great value to bees and pollinators it is generally deer resistant. Its licorice flavored leaves and seeds can be used in teas salads and cooking.

Both the flowers and leaves have an intense licorice aroma and flavor. Anise hyssop has a flavor similar to anise and belongs to the same botanical family as hyssop but it is not a cross between the two. Allow to steep 3 5 hours. Its licorice seasoned leaves and seeds can be utilized in teas servings of mixed greens and cooking.

Anise tea is an herbal tea prepared with the seeds and leaves of the anise plant which bears the scientific name pimpinella anisum. Fresh or dried the herb makes a delicious tea that pairs well with baked goods like. A form of hyssop known as anise hyssop agastache foeniculum is a member of the mint family that has a licorice like flavor. Growing to about 2 3 tall this wildflower can self seed heavily but other then that no real maintenance is required.

Strain into a pitcher and serve over ice. Several people thought it belongs to the carrot family apiaceae due to its hyssop name. Anise hyssop has a flavor like anise and has a place with a similar herbal family as hyssop yet it s anything but a cross between the two. Pick anise hyssop bruise the leaves by rolling them between your palms and place in jar.

Even though its last name is hyssop it belongs to the family labiatae a type of mint. Anise has been cultivated and widely used in the middle east and the mediterranean region for thousands of years both as a culinary ingredient and as an element in natural health practices. Garnish with a sprig of anise hyssop. It smells of a licorice scent.

Although gardening guides continue to list anise hyssop shown this page as suitable for full sun only this native american perennial will bloom and thrive in partial shade. Place jar outside in a sunny spot that will remain so for several hours. Anise hyssop is a little enduring herb local to the center of north america. Fill the jar with water and screw on the lid.