Angelica whole fruit – Angelica archangelica

Angelica fruits are small, oval, ribbed seeds with an intense and complex aroma. They were once an essential ingredient in traditional pharmacopoeias and are now being rediscovered in cooking and natural crafts.

Description

The fruit of the angelica plant is an elongated schizocarp, 4 to 6 mm long, pale brown, with longitudinal ridges. Harvested after flowering, it is air-dried or gently dried to preserve its essential oils. Highly aromatic, it is enjoyed as an infusion or in herbal blends.

Nomenclature

• Common names: Angelica fruit, angelica seed, archangelica seed
• Latin name: Angelica archangelica
• Family: Apiaceae
• Part used: Fruit (seed)
• Form: Whole, dried
• Origin: Northern Europe, Russia, temperate Asia
• English name: Angelica seed
• Name in German: Engelwurzsamen
• Name in Spanish: Semillas de angelica
• Name in Italian: Semi di angelica
• Name in Arabic: بذور الأنجيليكا (Boudhour al-Anjelika)

Main virtues

A musky, herbal scent that is popular in digestive infusions, herbal blends, or as a spice in sweet and savory dishes. It is also used in traditional liqueurs.

Main constituents

Essential oils (α-pinene, β-fellandrene, limonene), coumarins, furanocoumarins, flavonoids, resins.

Use and dosage

• Infusion: 1 teaspoon of crushed whole fruit for 250 ml of boiling water, infuse for 10 minutes.
• Cuisine: added to compotes, pastries or Nordic-inspired marinades.
• Liqueur: used in maceration in traditional alcohol recipes (chartreuse, Benedictine type).

Precautions, side effects and contraindications

• Contains coumarins: do not use in excess or for prolonged periods.
• Photosensitizing: avoid direct exposure to the sun after external use.
• Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

History and origin

Angelica has been cultivated since the Middle Ages in monasteries and Nordic regions. It was one of the most important plants in medicinal gardens, recognized for its protective powers. Its seeds were used both to ward off evil spirits and to prepare comforting herbal teas.

Miscellaneous information

• Storage: airtight jar away from humidity and light.
• Packaging: kraft bag, tinted glass jar or metal box.
• Appearance: small, elongated, ridged, light to dark brown seeds.
• Odor: warm, musky, vegetal, slightly resinous.

Sources and references

• Pl@ntUse – https://uses.plantnet-project.org
• Traditional European herbalism works
• Botanical references of Apiaceae
• Stories of Monastic Medicinal Gardens

🔎 Information

The products on aromacentre.fr are not medicines. They are natural, plant-based treatments. All usage advice on our site is for informational purposes only. Any additional requests should be made to a qualified healthcare professional. In accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 on nutrition and health claims made on foods, we are unable to publish this information on the site. Taking this product does not exempt you from consulting a doctor or prescribing it. Ask your doctor or healthcare practitioner for advice. Be sure to read the precautions for use before using any medicinal plants. The use of herbal preparations is not recommended without consulting your doctor or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with medications prescribed by the patient, reducing their therapeutic effectiveness or causing toxicity. They can also worsen the weakening of the body's vital functions, thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life-threatening risks.

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