Aniseed (Saunf - Hindi) (Pimpinella anisum)

Family: Apiaceae or Umbelliferae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Pimpinella anisum is a ANNUAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is frost tender. It is in leaf from May to October, in flower in July, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweet aniseed flavour, they are very refreshing to chew and are also nice as a flavouring in salads, puddings, soups, stews etc. — Young leaves - raw or cooked.; The leaves have a sweet aniseed flavour, they are very refreshing to chew and are also nice as a flavouring in salads, puddings, soups, stews etc.; When adding to cooked dishes, only add the leaves for the last few minutes of the cooking or the flavour will be lost.; The aromatic seed is eaten raw or used as a flavouring in raw or cooked foods such as soups, pies, bread and cakes.

Habitat & North American Range

Not known in a truly wild situation. (Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10)