Angelica may be familiar as the acid-green crystallised or candied strips used as a decoration on cakes and desserts, but angelica itself is a herb. It is known as ‘herb of the angels’ (hence the name) because it was believed to have medicinal properties. It’s a member of the parsley family, a tall plant with a long firm stem and bright green leaves. Candied angelica is made by boiling the stems in sugar syrup. If you can find the fresh herb (almost impossible) the stems can be cooked with rhubarb or apple for pies or crumbles. They’re also used in jams and preserves, and the leaves go well with fish or in salads.
Dad’s banana custard trifle
Rhubarb and custard
Fresh angelica is very difficult to source, but candied angelica is widely available.
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