Herbs and Spices Untitled Document

Sweet Cicely

Spansk körvel

Plant Description

Herb: Cicely or Sweet Cicely (Myrrhis odorata) is a plant belonging to the family Apiaceae, native to central Europe; it is the sole species in the genus Myrrhis.

Season:
Fern: It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from July to August.

Uses in Cooking:

The leaves can be used generously with tart fruits to cut down on acidity and reduce the amount of sugar needed. The leaves of this plant can be used in salads, with cold vegetables, and omelets. Its lacey leaves are large and covered with a fine down. Seeds are long and jet black. Its leaves are sometimes used as a herb, with a rather strong taste reminiscent of anise; it is used mainly in Germany and Scandinavia. Like its relatives anise, fennel, and caraway, it can also be used to flavor akvavit.

Possible Substitutes:

Tarragon

How it comes:

Spice Mixes

both leaves and seeds come dried but using fresh leaves is generally better.

Other Uses:

The leaves and the seed make good polishes for wood. You just rub them over the wood and then rub the wood with a clean cloth to remove any greenness. It is particularly good on oak panels, giving a lovely glossy finish and an aromatic smell.