Anise «Aibolit» – a mid-season annual variety that grows quickly: it takes only 40–55 days from full germination to cutting for greens. The plant is upright, about 60–80 cm high, with a medium mass of 50–500 g. It has entire long-stalked leaves and white flowers in compound umbels. The yield of greens is approximately 1.7–1.9 kg/m².
Young anise greens are used as an aromatic seasoning: they are added to vegetable and fruit salads, sides, meat and fish dishes, as well as with cabbage, apples, and zucchini. Seeds are used in baking and sweet products, as well as in pickling gourds. In Russian cuisine, anise often aromatizes kvass and jelly.
The seeds of «Aibolit» have a high content of essential oils, giving the plant a characteristic light fruity aroma and sweet-spicy taste. They are also valued as a honey plant and for medicinal purposes: infusions are prepared from them for the treatment of gastric and laxative conditions, as well as diaphoretic collections. Before sowing, seeds are usually soaked in warm water to accelerate germination.
