Angelica (Angelica archangelica) is one of the most flamboyant-looking herbs, with long, thick, hollow, pale green, celery-like stems supporting huge umbrellas of greenish white flowers above bright green, serrated, flat leaves. The roots, stems, leaves, and seeds of angelica are all edible and share an earthy, bittersweet, warm flavour reminiscent of liquorice and juniper. Angelica is believed to have originated in northern Europe, particularly the area of Lapland, Iceland, and Russia. In Lapland, angelica stalks are stripped off the central stem and eaten as a delicacy. Angelica is grown extensively in Europe, where its stems are commonly candied and used as an attractive light, bright green decoration for cakes, cookies, and ice cream. Candied angelica is especially popular in Sicily, where it is traditional for cassata, a cake layered with sweetened ricotta studded with candied fruit and covered with bittersweet chocolate icing. The seeds and roots are the source of an essential oil that flavours ice cream, candy, baked goods, puddings, and liqueurs. French angélique liqueur, drunk over crushed ice as a digestive, can also be used for cocktails, sorbets, and desserts.

Food Affinities

• absinthe

• apricot

• Bénédictine

• candied citron

• chocolate

• cinnamon

• cloves

• eggs

• gin

• lemon

• orange

• pineapple

• rhubarb

• ricotta cheese

• strawberry

• vermouth