ANISE
Anise or aniseed, which has the scientific name Pimpinella anisum, is an herb that comes from the family Apiaceae, or carrot family. Native to the eastern Mediterranean region and Southwest Asia.
Its flavor has similarities with some other spices, such as star anise, fennel and licorice.
This herb is most well known for its aromatic seeds. The taste of the seeds resembles that of fennel, which comes from the same family; or licorice, which comes from a different plant family. Aniseed oil is often used to enhance the flavor of licorice candy.
This plant might have originated in Asia, but it has since spread to Europe, Northern Africa, the Middle East and North America. Ancient Egyptians and Romans used it as a spice. It also has been used throughout history for medicinal purposes and for its fragrance.
Like the other members of its family, anise is a tall plant with feathery green leaflets. It grows to a height of 1.5 to 4 feet (46 to 122 cm). The flowers are white, and the fruit, which looks like ribbed seeds and is often referred to as seed, is grey-green or greenish-brown when ripe.
Its flavor has similarities with some other spices, such as star anise, fennel and licorice.
This herb is most well known for its aromatic seeds. The taste of the seeds resembles that of fennel, which comes from the same family; or licorice, which comes from a different plant family. Aniseed oil is often used to enhance the flavor of licorice candy.
This plant might have originated in Asia, but it has since spread to Europe, Northern Africa, the Middle East and North America. Ancient Egyptians and Romans used it as a spice. It also has been used throughout history for medicinal purposes and for its fragrance.
Like the other members of its family, anise is a tall plant with feathery green leaflets. It grows to a height of 1.5 to 4 feet (46 to 122 cm). The flowers are white, and the fruit, which looks like ribbed seeds and is often referred to as seed, is grey-green or greenish-brown when ripe.
