Hyssop, Black Eyed Peas, and Pickled Veggies, Salad

What an unlikely but very tasty combination. Perfect for a light summer dinner that is healthy and filling.

Hyssop, Black Eyed Pea, and Pickled Veggies Salad

For the dressing add together and then set aside in a small bowl

¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
juice of 1 lime
2 tablespoons of seasoned rice wine vinegar
1 teaspoon sumac powder

1 teaspoon of sugar

1 tsp of coriander and cumin powder
salt and pepper to taste

On a salad plate place

1 cup of fresh greens (arugula, mustard, lamb’s quarters etc.)
1 cup of pickled green beans
1/4cup fermented or pickled red onion

1 cup of black eyed peas, cooked

1/4 cup of sliced water chestnuts
¾ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 tablespoons chopped fresh anise hyssop leaves
1 cup of pickled purslane

Drizzle the salad with the dressing.

Garnish with nasturtium petals and hard boiled egg

Serve over bulgar wheat or oat groats.

Agastache foeniculum

Anise hyssop is in the mint family. It has a subtle sweet anise flavor that makes it fun to use in just about any recipe from lamb to sorbet. Both the flowers and leaves are edible and can be used by herbalists. It has a warming stimulating action that clears damp-supporting the lungs, digestive system and spleen. Historically it has been used for bloating, nausea, gas, indigestion, and diarrhea. It can be added into a respiratory formula for flu, fever, colds, asthma, bronchitis and sore throat. The aerial parts can be used in a poultice to be applied externally for a migraine, heatstroke, sores, fungal infections, bruises, bug bites, and burns.

Anise hyssop is a safer option than Hyssopus offincinalis as it has no contraindications and can be used long term in a tonic. Both have pretty much the same medicinal uses but slightly different essential oils and constituents.

Have you ever used anise hyssop in a cooking?


Published by blackbirdsbackyard

My backyard botanical pharmacy is located in Boulder Colorado. I began studying herbal medicinewhen I was 12 years old. In college I studied subjects like anthropology, microbiology, anatomy and physiology, After graduation I decided to go to midwifery school. I attended births and had a small practice until I retired early in order to be a mother full time. I have always had an herb garden, gathered plants and made my own healing formulas with plants. Over the last 30 years there have been many teachers and I have attended dozens of workshops. I am one of those people who is always reading, studying and learning. In 2019 I was called to practice as an herbalist professionally, using "plant spirit medicine" and bio-energetic ( 5 element)healing techniques. I feel that there is a big need in the community for my skills and talents. I hope to inspire others to start their own backyard pharmacies as a solution to species extinction and the healthcare crisis in America. Healing has also become a spiritual practice and way for me to feel balanced and connected with nature. I consult with clients in person, teach classes (adults and kids), give tours of my garden and offer apprenticeships. Health, joy, meaning, and support are everyone's birthright.

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