Sweet Cicely

Sweet cicely (Myrrhis odorata) is a graceful, fern-like perennial with a natural sweetness and a flavor reminiscent of anise or licorice, unusual among culinary herbs for its ability to reduce the amount of sugar needed in a recipe. Its lacy foliage and white umbel flowers resemble a softer, sweeter cousin of Queen Anne's lace.

Growing Sweet Cicely

Sweet cicely prefers a cool, partly shaded spot with consistently moist, rich soil, thriving in conditions many other Mediterranean herbs would find too damp. Seed needs a period of cold to germinate, so it's often sown in fall to sprout the following spring, and established plants self-seed readily once happy in a spot.

Culinary Uses

Sweet cicely's natural sweetness makes it a traditional addition to tart fruit like rhubarb and gooseberries, letting cooks use noticeably less sugar than usual. The leaves, seeds, and roots are all edible, each carrying the same gentle anise flavor in varying intensity.