Anise adds sensational flavor to meat & seafood
Scientific Name: Pimpinella anisum
Also called fennel and finocchio, anise has a mild licorice flavor, and is the traditional fish herb. Anise the vegetable should not be confused with anise the herb
The OASIS has advice on how to select top-quality Anise. You'll find suggestions on how to prepare, season and cook using Anise, information on the best time of year to buy and ways to store what's left for your next meal.
Selection Information
Usage: Fish, pork & lamb dishes, omelets, salads and herb breads.
Selection: Also called fennel and finocchio, anise has a mild licorice flavor, and is the traditional fish herb. Anise the vegetable should not be confused with anise the herb. The vegetable anise has broad leaf stalks surrounding a bulb end often 3 or 4 inches in diameter. The herb is the light green foliage of anise.
Avoid: Avoid anise that is wilted, limp, has dry brown areas, or is pale or yellow in color. Slimy looking dark spots with small areas of mold indicate old product or poor handling.
Seasonal Information
Anise is available year-round.
Anise Tips & Trivia
- Early Romans cultivated anise so extensively that it was served with virtually all meat dishes in those times.
- Anise is a source of the phytoestrogen anethole
- Anise has many medicinal uses including the treatment of digestive problems, toothaches, and its oil is used to treat lice and scabies.
- Many women use anise to relive mentrual cramps.
- Anise is used in liquor all over the world and can be found in Absinthe, Anisette, Pastisto, Raki, Mastika, Ouzo, Aguardiente, Arak, Jägermeister and Sambuca.