Blackberry and Anise Hyssop Sorbet

Posted byblackbirdsbackyardPosted inFood Recipes

I have a bumper crop of blackberries this year. They are tarter than my raspberries, so my girls do not often pick them off the vine for snacks. They also deteriorate within 24 hours once picked. This is quick and easy way to make a frozen dessert using any overabundant berry. This recipe is one of the best sorbets I have ever eaten. Almost a tie with the passionfruit from our local ice cream store. But you have to be a fan of anise as I am.

2 cups fresh blackberries
1/2 cup rice syrup or honey (to taste)
1/3 cup of anise hyssop flowers

Put berries and flowers into a food processor and blend until smooth. Strain out the seeds through a fine sieve. Pour back into the processor and add the liquid. Pulse for 30 seconds to mix. Scoop into an appropriate container and freeze overnight. Serve garnished with anise hyssop.

Agstache foeniculum

Agastache is in the mint family. It is one of the few cultivated medicinal herbs that is native to North America. This perennial grows up to three feet in height. It has brilliant green leaves that are oval/spade shaped with pointed tips. These are oppositely arranged on a square stem and have a fuzzy underside. Anise hyssop has very small purple/blue flowers densely arranged on a spike, typically at the end of each stalk. It prefers to grow in moist habitats with full sun. When rubbed with the fingers the plant has a pleasant anise/spicy scent. This subtle flavor makes it fun to use in all kinds of recipes from sorbet to lamb.

Anise hyssop has a warming stimulating action that clears heat. It supports the the lungs, digestive system and spleen. Historically it has been used for bloating, nausea, gas, indigestion, vomiting and diarrhea. It can be added in 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 migraine, heatstroke, sore, fungal infections, bruises, bug bites, and burns.

Parts used:Flowers and Leaves

Energetics:pungent, sweet, warm, dry

Element:air

Contraindications: None, can be used regularly as a “tonic”or in culinary dishes. Anise hyssop has the same medicinal uses as Hyssopus officinalis but different essential oils and constituents. Hyssopus is much stronger and should not be taken in large doses or in the long term as medicine.

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.

%d bloggers like this: