Anise

2024 Author: Sebastian Paterson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:47

anise

Anise is a very unusual spice whose taste is very difficult to describe. It is very reminiscent of liquorice and makes most people think of the famous Greek schnapps ouzo.

Anise can be used for much more than just baking. (Photo by: © HandmadePictures / fotolia.com)

Anise is known by many names, such as sweet caraway or bread seeds. The anise plant grows up to 80 cm high and forms branched, hairy stems. Only the ground ripe fruits or seeds of the plant are used in the kitchen.

Info: From a botanical point of view, anise has nothing to do with star anise.

Origin & season

Anise comes from the eastern Mediterranean countries and is believed to have originated in Egypt.

Today it is mainly grown in Turkey, Spain, Syria and southern Russia.

Its main season starts in April. It is available in our supermarket all year round. You can buy them either as whole seeds or in powder form.

taste

Anise has a very strong and intense, slightly sweet taste that is reminiscent of liquorice. Most people are familiar with the sweet and aromatic scent of the Greek liquor "Ouzo".

Tip: Freshly ground anise should be consumed as soon as possible because it loses its aroma quickly. And purchased anise powder should also be used up quickly after opening.

Use in the kitchen

Anise is a very strong and, if used incorrectly, a very tasty spice. Therefore, it should always be handled a little carefully and carefully.

• Anise is one of the typical delicacies during the Christmas season, for example honey cakes, aniseed cookies and gingerbread.
• Even a good mulled wine recipe needs a pinch of anise to make it perfect.
• In hearty cuisine, anise goes well with potato soups, cabbage soups or lentil stews, but also with red cabbage vegetables, salads, meat and fish dishes.
• In addition, anise is a bread spice - for e.g. wheat bread, fruit bread, etc.
• Anise oil plays an important role in the production of schnapps (especially in the Turkish and Greek regions).

Info: Due to the essential oils of anise, the schnapps made from it often have a milky appearance (louche effect).

More recipe tips:

• anise cookies
• Carinthian house bread
• Aniskuchen
• pumpkin soup
• Plum chutney
• Grill sauce with anise

The aniseed powder is very suitable for "beginners" because it is easier to dose due to its lower aroma. However, enthusiasts use the whole seeds and grind them in a mortar just before use so that they can develop their full flavoring power.

effect

• Anise contains a lot of essential oil, but also flavonoids, phenol carboxylic acids and oil.
• Anise tea is a good idea for nursing mothers because it stimulates milk production.
• Anise can have a soothing effect on gastrointestinal complaints. That is why it is also used in small children for flatulence.
• In the case of colds, it helps to loosen the mucus from the airways.
• Anise also has an antibacterial effect.
• Asthma and bronchitis can be relieved by consuming aniseed

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