Anise
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| Pimpinella anisum L. |
Anise or Aniseed, less commonly anνs (stressed on the first syllable) (Pimpinella anisum) is a flowering plant in the family Apiaceae, native to the eastern Mediterranean region and southwest Asia. It is a herbaceous annual plant growing to 50 cm tall. The leaves at the base of the plant are simple, 2-5 cm long and shallowly lobed, while leaves higher on the stems are feathery pinnate, divided into numerous leaflets. The flowers are white, 3 mm diameter, produced in dense umbels. The fruit is an oblong dry schizocarp, 3-5 mm long.
Pimpinella species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species, including the lime-speck pug and wormwood pug.
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Recreational Uses
Anise can be made into a liquid scent and is used for both hunting and fishing. Anise smells similar to liquorice and is put on fishing lures to attract fish. Anethole, the principal component of anise oil is a precursor that can eventually produce 2,5-dimethoxybenzaldehyde which is used in the clandestine synthesis of psychedelic drugs such as 2C-B, 2C-I and DOB.[1] Aniseed is also commonly found in many brands of Absinthe as well as being used as a flavouring for pastis, ouzo, and other liqueurs.
Culinary Uses
Aniseed is used to make the British confectionary Aniseed balls. Anise oil is used to make Italian cookies called pizzelles, and used in the frosting of yellow Italian cake-like cookies called "Drops" or "Anise Drops".
Medicinal Uses
Anise leaves are used to treat digestive problems, to relieve toothache, and its essential oil is used to treat lice and scabies.
Spice Type
Sweet and very aromatic. Anise contains liquorice like components. (see reference below)
References
- ^ "Anise Oil as a Precursor for 2-Alkoxy-5-methoxybenzaldehydes". DEA Microgram Journal 2 (1). Retrieved on 2006-12-09.
Spice_Pages_Anise
Category: Spices

