Description
Anise Seed is a gray-brown oval seed from Pimpinella anisum, a plant in the parsley family. It is related to caraway, dill, cumin, and fennel.
Anise seed is used as a spice, either ground or whole. Anise essential oil and extract are also made from the seeds. The seeds are small, brownish-gray, and slightly curved, with an aroma of licorice.
Europeans use Anise in cakes, cookies, and sweet breads. In the Middle East and India, it is used in soups and stews. Its licorice-like flavor is popular in candies and Anise oil is used in liqueurs.
Taste and Aroma Description: Anise Seeds smell and taste like licorice.
Storage Tips: Store in cool, dark, dry places.
Give fish and shellfish a wonderful Mediterranean flavor by adding Anise Seed to seafood stews. Make a quick sauce for grilled fish by combining melted butter, toasted Anise Seed, lemon juice, and minced green onion. To add special flavor and texture to baked goods, brush rolls or sugar cookies with beaten egg white and sprinkle with Anise Seed before baking. Anise Seeds naturally have short, hair-like “webs.” Most of the webs are removed in processing, but since they carry flavor it is not necessary for all webbing to be eliminated.
