Anise seed develops on the large flat flower heads of a plant belonging to the parsley family. This makes anise an annual in most areas. Anise seed comes from an annual flowering plant in the family Apiaceae, which is native to the Mediterranean area and to Southwestern Asia. It can grow as tall as 0.91 m (3 ft.). It has been cultivated for thousands of years in areas most closely capturing the climate of the eastern Mediterranean.
The main use of anise seed is culinary. Anise seed has a strong aroma and flavor akin to licorice. Anise seed is an ingredient in East Indian curries, French carrot dishes, Nordic breads, and Hispanic stews. Anise seed is also used in a variety of sweets from many countries. These include humbugs from Australia, pizzelle from Italy, and picarones from Peru.
Anise seed is also eaten following meals in India. And anise seed is used to flavor a variety of liqueurs, such as arak, Chartreuse, Jägermeister, and ouzo.
Anise Seed as a Medicinal
While its medicinal uses are limited compared to something like nettle leaf or cinnamon powder, it has managed to stay in the medicine bags of most folk practitioners. Colonists brought anise seed to the new world for this very reason.
Over the centuries it has been used as a digestive aid and to rid the body of intestinal gas. Anise has enjoy some popularity as a cough suppressant and as an aid in ridding the chest of mucus. It also has antioxidant properties. But, most commonly anise has been used to flavor other medicinals, making them more palatable. The strong licorice flavor of anise seeds make them a fine choice for this mission.
Anise Seed in Drinks
As a digestive aid, anise has found its way into a variety of drinks. Consider the Atole of Mexico and the Champurrado of India. These are warm drinks often enjoyed after a meal. A cup of anise tea serves the same purpose. Tea is a simple mulling of slightly crushed anise seed and water. Strain the seeds as you fill the cup. Sweeten and add some cream. You now have a digestive aid that is as tasty as a nice dessert.
In many cultures liquor is the preferred end to a meal, so needless to say, there are a variety of liquors from almost every continent based on anise seed. You can find an anise-based liquor in Turkey, Peru or Bulgaria. Travel to Italy, Holland, or Mexico: not a problem! You will find an anise liquor. Perhaps the most famous of these liquors is Anisette from France.
Anise Seed in Cooking
Because it blends so well with sweets, anise seed has made a place for itself in the traditional baking of many cultures. Homemakers who pull out the old family recipes at Christmas also pull out their stash of anise seed. Almost every European culture has a long-standing, long-loved cooky recipe that relies on anise seed for uniqueness. Consider the knotts of Norway, the pizzelle of Italy and the springerle of Germany among many others.
In North Africa and the Middle East anise seed finds its way into savory dishes and sauces. Lightly toast a tablespoon of anise seeds in a small skillet then melt three tablespoon of butter and squeeze in the juice of a small lemon. You now have a tasty sauce to pour over grilled fish. You will get the idea of the anise and savory connection. With soups and sauces you could use the feathery green of the anise plant for a whole new experience.
If you live in the United States and all this sounds a bit foreign, if you are saying to yourself, “Not me. Not interested,” you had better reconsider. You have probably enjoyed root beer flavored with anise seed. Indeed, anise seed has quietly managed to get itself everywhere.
Anise Seed Nutrients
Anise seed is actually a fairly nutritious little item, based on data from the USDA nutrient database. It is a good source of minerals providing 20% of your daily iron in just ten grams. It is also a good source of manganese. Ten grams of anise seed also provides about 3% of your daily vitamin C, B1, and B6.
Buy Anise Seed in Bulk for Best Price
It is better to buy whole anise seed and grind the seeds just before use, rather than to purchase ground anise seed, as the whole seeds retain the distinctive flavor and aroma longer.
We save money by buying herbs and seasonings in bulk. We know a great vendor that sells certified organic anise seed in bulk at very low prices (Click here). You can buy it in 4 oz., 8 oz., and 1 lb. sizes. If you purchase more than five pounds, you will get even greater discounts.
You will be amazed by the savings when you buy certified organic anise seed in bulk. (Click here, note the 60-day return guarantee and purchase options via the Internet, phone, mail, or fax.)
Anise Seed Price Comparison
Other vendors sell certified organic anise seed, but at higher prices. For instance, Amazon.com sells a 1 lb. pouch of certified organic anise seed. (Click here to see this alternative product at Amazon.com.)
The information on this website is for educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.