Horti Tops® Angelica Archangelica (Angelica)

Angelica Archangelica (Angelica) (Angelica archangelica)

The Archangel’s Herb

Legend says angelica blooms on the feast day of the Archangel Michael, who revealed its medicinal powers in a dream. This dramatic plant has been considered protective and healing for centuries. Today it is perhaps best known for its candied stems and role in gin.

Culinary Uses

Candied stems: The hollow stems are traditionally candied and used to decorate cakes and confections. The bright green color and subtle flavor are distinctive.

With rhubarb: Angelica and rhubarb are classic partners – the angelica reduces the amount of sugar needed.

In liqueurs: Essential botanical in Chartreuse, Bénédictine, and many gins.

Tea: The leaves and stems make a pleasant, slightly bitter tea.

Medicinal Traditions

Angelica was once considered a cure-all, used for everything from plague to digestive complaints. It is now primarily used as a digestive bitter and for respiratory issues. The root is most potent medicinally.

Growing Angelica

Angelica is a dramatic biennial or short-lived perennial reaching 2 meters tall with huge umbrella-like flower heads. It prefers moist, rich soil and partial shade. Harvest stems for candying in the second year before flowering. Allow some plants to flower and set seed – the seeds need cold to germinate.

Growing Angelica Archangelica (Angelica)