Rare Herbs to Grow in Washington State for Profit

Chevril

• Chevril (Anthriscus cerefolium) is an herb that does well in cool, shady locations such as much of western Washington State. It can be planted outside and will do well much of the year in this type of location, but gardeners in the eastern and central portions of the state will need to protect this plant from the heat and sun. Chevril is an annual and is generally started from seeds in the late spring or fall, depending on the local climate. This herb has a delicate, anise-like flavor and is used in French cuisine to flavor such foods as eggs and fish. A grower who produces this herb can sell leaves as soon as four to six weeks after planting. Best choices for customers are restaurants and specialty grocers.

Japanese Wild Parsley

• Japanese wild parsley (Cryptotaenia japonica Mitsuba) is a perennial herb that grows about 2 feet tall and is valued for its flavorful leaves and stems. Its flavor has been described as a mix of celery and parsley. Only the new, tender growth is valuable, as the older parts tend to be bitter and are not used in cooking. This plant is used to add flavor to soups and salads as well as in vegetable, seafood and egg dishes. It can be profitable when marketed to Asian restaurants and groceries. Japanese wild parsley grows in rich, shady soil. It will tolerate some sun but should not be exposed to summer heat. It can be grown as a perennial but is usually started from seed each season.

Sweet Cicely

• Sweet Cicely (Myrrhis odorata) is a fern-type herb that prefers cool, shady spots. It is a low-growing plant that will produce 3-inch clusters of tiny white flowers in the late spring and summer. Sweet Cicely is in the carrot family and develops a significant taproot, making it difficult to transplant once it has become established. This root is occasionally cooked like a vegetable and eaten when it has a texture similar to a cooked carrot. The flavor of this herb is a mix of anise and celery, with sweet overtones. It is used to flavor baked goods and fruit dishes. The seeds can also be chewed as a breath freshener. Markets for this uncommon herb would include bakeries and gourmet grocery stores. Health food stores are also a potential source of sales for the seeds as well as the rest of the plant.