
Growing and Using Sweet Cicely
The root of sweet cicely can be boiled and eaten as you would a root vegetable, or steamed. It can also be candied and used as a breathe freshener or to soothe a sore throat. The seeds can be used in cakes and candy. The leaves can be dried and used in tea blends, but do use it in moderation since it can be a mild laxative.
Sweet cicely is hardy to Zone 2 and is easy to grow. However, it is difficult to germinate the seed because it needs to freeze, then thaw before germinating. Also the seed needs to be fresh to get a good germination rate. It's easiest to look for a plant. Sweet cicely likes a soil that is rich and on the moist side. It also does well in a shaded location. If you are in a hot climate the shade is really important, and the moisture because it doesn't do well in the heat.
Apples with Sweet Cicely
Ingredients:
1 1/2 pounds cooking apples
honey or other sweetener to taste
2 teaspoons minced sweet cicely
Peel the apples, core and slice. Place them into a heavy skillet with water to cover the bottom of the pan. Add the sweetener to taste, depending on how tart the apples are. Cover and cook until the apples are tender. Stir the sweet cicely into the apples and cool in the pan. Serve warm or cold with whipped cream.