Angelic Angelica Archangelica
Angelica an ancient and highly aromatic plant whose name is thought to derive from the old calendar. Because it usually flowered around the feast day of the Archangel Michael. The history of the herb angelica archangelica goes back into the legends and folklore of Northern Europe. According to legend, during the middle ages. An angel appeared to a man in a dream and revealed that Angelica had protective powers against evil.
Cultivated Angelica
Description of this useful Herb
Angelica is a biennial growing 1.5m to 1.8m in height with a very aromatic smell. It has serrated bright green leaves with branching hollow stems. They have a celery like texture. It also has round whitish green flower heads. It flowers in late spring in the second year. Then once its flowered and seeded it dies. But if you frequently cut and not allow it to flower it will continue to flourish for several more seasons. Helping to make your garden look lush.
You can propagate by seed but make sure they are fresh the germinating period is very short. You can also plant seeds straight into the ground. Enrich the soil before planting with well-rotted compost and heaps of it. It loves light shaded areas but if in full sunlight mulch is important. Allow them to self-seed.
Harvesting Ways
This herb has many parts that are useful for you and your family . You cut the heads off the plants after they have become heavy with brown seeds. You should cut the stems before midsummer. To use the roots dig them up in autumn of their first season. And harvest the leaves before flowering because the leaves become slightly bitter.
Angelica Herb Root
Preserving for Using
To preserve your seeds after picking store them in cardboard or paper in a dry place with no moisture. When the seeds are crisp and dry I rub them between my palms to remove the husks. Store in airtight containers and they should last for a few years. Dry the leaves and roots and the stems can be crystallized.
Culinary Tastes
Angelica has a licorice taste like aniseed and It can flavour many foods such as breads, pastas, cakes and stewed fruit. The seeds can also be used to flavour your drinks including gin, vermouth and chartreuse. Stew the leaves with acidic fruits to reduce sugar requirements. Crystallize the stems for decoration or just eat them candied.
Wild Angelica
Respecting the Medicinal Properties
Make tea from fresh leaves or dried. The aniseed not only helps the digestive system but it also helps respiratory ailments. The tea taken regularly is said to be an excellent tonic for the entire system. Including the liver. The crushed leaves can be put into a car to help freshen the air and can help you with travel sickness. Using cooled tea it can be gently sponged onto the face with cotton wool to lighten your skin.
If you’ve planted plenty of angelica hopefully you will have plenty of flowers which will help attract bees to your garden. Bees are very important to the health of your garden and should encouraged.
Love what you grow. Enjoy.
Category: Herb Gardens
