In foods, anise is used as a flavoring agent. It has a sweet, aromatic taste that resembles the taste of black licorice. It is commonly used in alcohols and liqueurs, such as anisette and ouzo. Anise is also used in dairy products, gelatins, meats, candies, and breath fresheners.
Star Anise vs Anise Seed
Yes, it’s easy to confuse this low-key but powerful spice with the other licorice-like spice that shares its name…but anise seed is not the same thing as star anise. In fact, they’re not even related.
Star anise is a star-shaped pod (actually, there are usually eight points, so it’s more flower-like than star-like) that grow on evergreen shrubs native to Southwest China. Both the pods and the seeds they contain are used in cooking. The whole pods can flavor soups, like pho, stews, and braises, but they do not soften when cooked, so they cannot be eaten. They can also be used in sweeter applications, like chai or mulled wine. Ground star anise is one of the ingredients in Chinese five-spice powder.
Whole Anise Seed vs. Ground Anise Seed
Both whole anise seeds and ground anise seeds are common in baked goods and savory dishes. Go for the whole seeds when you’re looking for extra texture.
Stuck with one when your recipe calls for another? One teaspoon of whole anise seeds equals about one teaspoon of ground. Spice master and cookbook author Lior Lev Sercarz, owner of New York City spice shop La Boite, says small spices like anise seed (or mustard seed or celery seed) are close to a one to one ratio when measuring ground versus whole.
Why I Recommend Eating Anise Seeds | Benefits of Anise Seeds
FAQ
What is anise commonly used for?
What can I do with anise?
What food is anise good for?
What is anise used for other than cooking?
What is anise used for?
Generally speaking, anise is used to flavor a wide variety of foods, both sweet and savory. You’ll find anise in a number of types of sausage, various processed meats, soups, stews, and anywhere a licorice flavor might be desired. Additionally, the leaves of the anise plant can be used in salads and in cheese spreads.
What can I use anise seeds for?
Although the leaves and stems may be used in soups and salads, anise seeds, anise extract, and anise oil are by far the ingredients most frequently called for in recipes since they are the most readily available. Anise seeds should not be subjected to extreme heat or cold and should be stored away from light.
What is a good substitute for anise?
The best substitute for anise is star anise. One star anise pod is equivalent to half a teaspoon of ground anise seeds. If you don’t have star anise on hand, fennel seeds, although a little woodier and less sweet than anise, are an acceptable substitute. Caraway seeds can be used in place of anise seeds but are better suited for savory dishes.
What is anise seed?
Anise, also called aniseed or Pimpinella anisum, is a plant that hails from the same family as carrots, celery and parsley. It can grow up to 3 feet (1 meter) tall and produces flowers and a small white fruit known as anise seed. Here are 7 benefits and uses of anise seed, backed by science. 1. Rich in Nutrients