Volokonovski hyssop – a perennial herbaceous plant up to 60 cm tall, characterized by a pronounced aroma and a bitter-spicy taste. Leaves have a lanceolate shape, medium size, a smooth surface, and a rich green color. Flowers are small, blue, sometimes reddish or white, appearing from June to September.
This plant is widely used as a seasoning for vegetable dishes thanks to its fresh and dried forms. Green mass (shoots and leaves) can be served both fresh and after drying, adding a characteristic aroma and slight bitterness to dishes. In cooking, hyssop is used to prepare salads, soups, meat and vegetable main courses.
Volokonovski hyssop is also valued for its essential oil content of up to 1.15%, which has a camphoraceous scent. This oil is used in the perfume industry and in the liquor production industry. The plant is nectar-bearing: its flowers attract bees, and the honey obtained from it is considered one of the best varieties.
The period from germination to the beginning of flowering is about 115 days. Yield of greens reaches 3.6 kg/m², which makes it attractive for agricultural production. Hyssop is grown in moderate climatic conditions and shows drought resistance, so it is suitable for various regions with different degrees of humidity.