The aroma of anise is one of the main attractions of this species, whose utility is wide in gastronomy and naturist therapies. We teach you how to keep it prosperous.
Matalahuva, Pimpinella anisum or simply anise It is the name of a plant with a penetrating fragrance and of wide use. Hundreds of cooking recipes include the species, in any of its variations; In the same way, homemade preparations contemplate the Asian specimen as an ingredient to treat stomach conditions, for example.
You can get anise in any market ready for your preparations, but another reliable way to dispose of the plant is by sowing it at home. If you want to add it to your garden, pay attention to what concerns its cultivation and care.
The anise plant and its characteristics
The plant belongs to the family Apiaceae. This annual herb, detailed Drugs.comgrows between 0.3 and 0.6 meters, its flowers are white or yellow and sprout in the middle of summer, with feather-like leaves. The grooved fruits in greenish-brown tones stand out.
The aroma and flavor of anise is comparable to licorice; including it in dishes, drinks and remedies is due to the active ingredients and oils it contains, such as those mentioned below:
- Anetol.
- Anisic acid.
- Anisic aldehyde.
- Chavicol methylene.
- Terpene complexes.
A study of ISRN Pharmaceutics associated several of these compounds with a broad spectrum of pharmacological effects. However, the need for additional clinical trials that evaluate the benefits of the plant in humans is pointed out, as well as the synthesis of new medicines manufactured from the active ingredients of anise.
The aroma and other usable benefits of the anise plant
There are different types of anise. One is green or sweet anise. This is the ingredient often used to soothe heartburn and create cosmetic formulas.
Florence anise or fennel is used in preparing savory menus, while star anise is preferred for desserts and infusions. Another type is Japanese anise, but its consumption is not recommended on a massive scale, since it could affect urinary tract conditions.
The Medical Gazette of Mexico reviewed an experiment in mice in which they examined the reactions of the sample after inducing diarrhea with castor oil and then treating them with a mixture of star anise and chamomile. The results were encouraging, as they suggest that the plant would work as an alternative anti-diarrheal.
However, caution is essential with high doses of anise, since in excess they would cause poisoning. In this regard, the bulletin of the Chilean Social Protection Network emphasize moderation when consuming the plant. The institution argues that the character of these products is symptomatic auxiliaries, but in no scenario do they replace the indications of a doctor.
If you use the herb for medicinal purposes, it is essential to consult a professional.
Cultivation and care of the anise plant
Anise is a species to sow in late winter or early spring. Its seeds germinate without problems if the temperature is higher than 15 °C and the soil is in optimal conditions.
The rusticity of the grass exempts rigorous care. However, the considerations that we now expose are pertinent.
Ground
Although anise thrives in all kinds of soils, even in acids worked with lime, It is essential that the soil contain a good amount of minerals and organic matter. The ideal pH is between 6.0 and 6.7.
For pots, a universal substrate and adequate drainage contribute to the development of matalahúva.
Temperature
Anise does not go hand in hand with extreme cold. It is vulnerable to flooding and also does not tolerate dry winds.
Its thing is warm temperatures, so at planting time consider a garden calendar suitable for species from temperate climates.
Luz
Anise growth is accelerated if it receives enough sunlight. If you sow the specimen in a pot, place it where the sun’s rays hit it; It can be next to a terrace or window. In case of direct cultivation in the garden soil, choose an area where there is full sun.
Fertilization
Any fertilizer favors the anise plant: from homemade organic to manure. But in case of using the second one, make sure that no other plant was planted in it before.
Similarly, when you use mineral fertilizer, check that the base is potassium. Excess nitrogen is counterproductive for the harvest.
Hydration
The matalahúva plants are watered 2 or 3 times a week, without overdoing it. Although irrigation is regular, the idea is that the substrate tends towards a dry texture. This recommendation also applies to large-scale harvesting.
Sowing
The appropriate way to plant anise is in rows and with a previously moistened substrate. If you do it directly in the garden, ensure a distance of at least 25 centimeters between the seeds.
Bury them half a centimeter deep if it is in the ground and about 8 centimeters in a pot, since germination depends on darkness. The shoots are evident 3 weeks after sowing.
When the environment is too cold, it is convenient to start in a pot inside the house and when it reaches maturity, transplant the specimen.
Harvest
Come August, you harvest the anise. You know that the fruit is ready when you notice the brown tone with greenish flashes.
The collection procedure is advisable in the morning and includes cutting the flower, ventilating the bunches and exposing them to the sun so that the seeds are toasted.
When they are completely dry, you rub the flowers or “umbrella” and remove the seeds. Storage is recommended in a cool, dark place.
Eye! These are the possible diseases of the anise plant
Every plant is susceptible to diseases and anise is no exception. The National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA) analyzed crops in fields of this species and detected that during the first phase of development, it is likely to suffer from damping off or “bad stem”, in addition to the complex of soil fungi.
INTA points out that The solution to these evils is in the correct preparation of the landavoid at all costs the flooding of the land and sow seeds that, in advance, were treated with fungicides.
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