A striking statuesque herb valued for both its medicinal and culinary uses and the large umbels of white flowers produced in the second year. 9x9cm pot (8cm depth)
Description
- Tall and statuesque
- Self-seeding
- Beneficial medicinal herb
- Easy to grow
A plant that had the reputation of protection against evil and treatment for the plague-the root was consumed to try and ward off the sickness. Angelica is now better known as a decorative confectionary made from the green stems. It is an important ingredient in liqueurs and aperitifs
Plant Care
- Height: 100-150cm
- Type: Hardy
- Aspect: Sun/shade
- Soil: Any/alkaline
- Flower colour: White
- Flowering period: June - August
This massive and impressive herb grows well in both sun or shade and as a biennial puts on plenty of leafy growth in the first year before sending up a thick stem with huge umbels of white flowers the following year. It is better planted in the ground due to its size, in containers it becomes quite pot bound and not very tall. The ripe seeds can be collected in late summer and have much better viability if sown within three months. They can be left to fall naturally from the plant and self-seed.
Usage
The aromatic root, stem, seed and leaf of angelica has a long history in both medicine and cookery.
The crystallised stems are famously candied and the flavourful seeds and leaves have long been added to beverages and liqueurs, however it is not used to its full potential in the kitchen as it can flavour fish, poultry, cooked fruits, soups and stews.
Angelica has a rounded bitter and sweet taste. It can be prepared into an earthy tea or tincture. ‘A friend to the aged’, it provides a warming tonic effect, particularly strengthening to the heart and stomach.