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Anise Star (Star anise)

Anise has long been cultivated in Egypt and was known to ancient Greeks, Romans and Arabs, who named the plant anysun. It is one of the oldest known spice plants used both for culinary and medicinal purposes since ancient times. Since Antiquity it has been used as a flavoring spice in recipes and as a diuretic, to treat digestive problems and to relieve toothache.

Anise seeds are known for their ability to reduce flatulence and to settle the digestion. They are commonly given to infants and children to relieve colic and to people of all ages to ease nausea and indigestion. It also has an expectorant and antispasmodics action that is helpful in countering period pain, asthma, whooping cough and bronchitis.

The mild hormonal action of anise seeds may explain its ability to increase breast-milk production and its reputation for easing childbirth and treating impotence and frigidity. Anise essential oil is used externally to treat lice and scabies.

Uses: Reduces colic and flatulence, promotes digestion, antispasmodic.

Anise has been described as having a licorice flavor, to some extent, but anise is the true taste of licorice— its oils are distilled into the flavoring for licorice candy (not from the herb licorice, which has a different taste).

Spice Tip for Cooks :

Anise has been used for cooking since biblical times. Adds a sweet and spicy flavor to both main course dishes and desserts.
Bouquet: sweet and fragrant.
Flavor: similar to fennel with a mild licorice taste.