Cooking with Anise Hyssop: Recipes, Flavor, and Culinary Uses

Anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum), often called anise hyssop or agastache on our farm, is a perennial herb prized for its sweet licorice-mint flavor. Both the leaves and flowers of the plant are edible, offering unique culinary possibilities. 

Anise Hyssop Flavor and Aroma

The flavor of anise hyssop is reminiscent of a gentle licorice with a hint of mint, making it a versatile ingredient for both sweet and savory dishes. Agastache leaves carry a concentrated taste, while agastache flowers are slightly milder but visually stunning, perfect for garnishes. Anise hyssop can grow in your vegetable garden but given its bloom time and bright purple flower (reminds me of a Dr. Seuss character) many plant it right in their flower beds around the home. Deer stay away from it too. As such it's easy to grow and have on hand when you want to experiment with it in the kitchen.

Pairing suggestions include other herbs such as mint, chamomile, and lemon balm. Honey, citrus, and creamy ingredients also complement its natural sweetness. Using both leaves and flowers in your cooking ensures maximum flavor and aroma. This is also how we dry and sell our dried anise hyssop on our farm, leaves and flowers together.

Culinary Uses of Anise Hyssop

Anise hyssop is more than just a pretty herb. Its sweet, aromatic flavor can be incorporated into a wide variety of dishes:

Baking: Add chopped leaves or finely crumbled flowers to cookies, cakes, herbal breads, or even shortbread for a unique twist.

Beverages: Create homemade syrups for cocktails, lemonades, or mocktails. Leaves and flowers can also be infused into sparkling water or simple syrups to flavor drinks naturally.

Salads and Garnishes: Sprinkle fresh flowers over fruit salads, desserts, or cheese plates. Leaves can be finely chopped into grain salads or savory vegetable dishes, adding both flavor and visual appeal. (Avoid using dried herbs in your fresh salad.)

Anise Hyssop Syrup and Cocktail Ideas

A simple syrup using fresh anise hyssop leaves or flowers can elevate any drink. Here’s a quick approach:

1. Combine equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan and heat until sugar dissolves.

2. Add fresh anise hyssop leaves and flowers, simmer briefly, then let steep for 15–20 minutes.

3. Strain and cool; store in the refrigerator.

Use this syrup to flavor cocktails with gin, vodka, or sparkling wine, or mix it into sparkling water or lemonade for a refreshing, herbaceous twist.

Growing Anise Hyssop for Your Kitchen

To enjoy the culinary benefits of anise hyssop year after year, proper care is essential. Anise hyssop seedlings can be started indoors or sown directly in the garden. Plant in well-draining soil with full sun to partial shade for best results.

Anise hyssop care includes regular watering during dry spells and light pruning to encourage bushy growth and abundant leaves. This perennial herb is resilient — yes, agastache is a perennial — and can thrive for several seasons, providing repeated harvests of leaves and flowers for the kitchen. While it is perennial even as far North as our farm in Quebec, we do re-seed annually for maximum yield. That said, we do get some volunteers each year. 

Harvest leaves when the flowers are in full bloom for the most concentrated flavor, and enjoy the added bonus of pollinator-friendly blooms attracting bees and butterflies to your garden.

Using Anise Hyssop Year-Round in the Pantry

Fresh anise hyssop is wonderful, but preserving it extends its culinary use throughout the year:

• Drying Leaves and Flowers: Hang stems in a cool, dry space or use a dehydrator. Crumble leaves and flowers into jars for winter use.

• Infused Syrups, Oils, or Vinegars: Store for baking, cooking, or beverages.

• Herbal Blends: Mix dried anise hyssop with other herbs for teas or spice blends, ensuring you have a little touch of summer in every dish.

FAQs About Cooking with Anise Hyssop

Is anise hyssop edible?
Yes! Both leaves and flowers are edible and add a naturally sweet licorice-mint flavor to dishes.

Can you use it in sweet and savory dishes?
Absolutely. From cookies and cakes to salads and infused oils, anise hyssop adapts beautifully to many culinary applications.

How long does it bloom?
Anise hyssop typically blooms for several weeks in mid to late summer, offering both visual beauty and culinary flowers for garnishes.

Tips for preserving flavor when storing:
Dry leaves and flowers carefully, store in airtight containers, and keep away from direct sunlight to maintain aroma and taste.