Anise Seed

PURPOSE WHAT IS IT? Anise (Pimpinella anisum)  is the an aromatic herb. The leaves, fruit husks and seeds can all be used for cooking. Very soluble in alcohol, not in water. Will opaque a clear alcohol, like ouzo, if water is added. EXPERIENCE Anise has an aroma and taste that the western world describes as “licorice” because of the common candy. In other parts of the world it is a common cooking herb described more as a fragrant odor than a taste. The flavor comes from the essential oil anethole, also found in fennel, star anise, camphor and liquorice. A cousin of the aromatic oil found in tarragon and basil. CULINARY GEOGRAPHY Originating in the Middle East, it migrated to Europe, first as a medicinal herb, and then found its way into culinary applications. Similar in taste to Star Anise, which also has the essential oil anethole.  The spice migrated to Asia, and is common throughout along with