Aniseed

Aniseed is derived from the herbaceous, flowering annual plant. Aniseed, sometimes spelled as anise, anis or anise seed, is considered a spice with a sweet licorice-like taste. It is of the Apiece Family, which makes it a relative of other plants like celery, dill, coriander, fennel and cumin. It is used in recipes; either whole or ground, to add distinctive flavors to food. The essential oil derived from aniseed is valuable to manufacture perfumes. The oil is used for production of ethanol (aromatic compound that occurs widely in essential oil) and sometimes as sensitize for bleaching colors in photography. How to Select When purchasing from stores, ensure that aniseed are in a good packaged and sealed condition. Ideally, they will have a pale brown color and a very mild, fragrant aroma.