Newsletter: 28th September
Meet the Apiaceae Herb Family
From carrots to coriander, meet the plant family that keeps your kitchen full of flavour all year round. Anyone who has visited Jekka’s knows we are strong advocates of understanding plant families. They not only help us see how herbs grow, but also how they can be used in the kitchen. Plants in the same family often thrive in similar conditions and bring related flavours to our plates.
You might not know the name Apiaceae, but you will know its members: Carrots, Celery, Parsley, Fennel and Dill, to name a few. This family is also called the umbellifers, thanks to their umbrella-shaped flower clusters, where all the stalks radiate from a single point. Apiaceae is a diverse plant family best known for vegetables and spices, though it also contains some toxic plants such as Hemlock - making correct identification important.
Key characteristics of Apiaceae include:
- Umbel Inflorescence: A flat-topped or rounded cluster of tiny flowers.
- Hollow Stems: Common among many species.
- Feathery: Divided Leaves: Often aromatic.
- Aromatic Oils: Responsible for their distinctive scents and flavours.
Culinary inspiration for the Apiaceae Herb Family
The Apiaceae family brings fresh flavours year-round. In this section, we share our favourite ways to use this herb family in the kitchen.
- Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) roots – After harvesting seeds for next season, we roast the roots and turn them into a comforting carrot and coriander root soup. Perfect for autumn!
- Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) – Self-seeded along the farm edges, we collect the seeds for herbal infusions. Fennel tea aids digestion and supports the immune system. Alternatively, try Jekka's Mint Fiesta Herbal Infusion, which contains fennel seeds.
- Celery Leaf (Apium graveolens) – Seeds make a wonderfully fragrant homemade celery salt, a simple way to boost flavour.
- Parsley (Petroselinum crispum 'French') – We love parsley oil drizzled over risottos and pasta dishes. Check out the recipe in Jekka’s herb-based collection.
Even though summer is over, the Apiaceae family keeps the flavour flowing from garden to kitchen all year round.
Create Your Own Botanical Gifts
With the festive season just around the corner, we’ve started making gifts and cards for friends and family. Want to learn to screenprint your own?
Hannah McVicar is running an ‘Introduction to Botanical Screenprinting’ workshop on 17th October, where she will guide you step-by-step through the process of creating beautiful, multi-layered, colourful prints. No printmaking experience is required — everything is provided, and you’ll go home with prints and cards ready to gift.
What participants say:
- “An understanding of how to screenprint from a zero starting point with Hannah’s excellent & patient tuition.” — Anne W., Master Class Participant 2025
- “I have been on several watercolour workshops but this was the best class I’ve attended. Loved that we were busy all of the time. Excellent teaching, and the added bonus of the Herb Tour.” — Julie M., Master Class Participant 2025
Cultivating flavour, creating experiences.