Anise
Anise, also known by its formal name of pimpinella anisum , is a flowering plant in the family of apiaceae . Anise is a native of the Mediterranean area. Anise has a very sweet, aromatic flavor that is very similar to licorice and fennel. Anise has white flowers and is an annual that grows to a height of 3 feet tall. The seeds or fruits are called aniseed. Anise is grown abundantly for its seeds so that it can be used as a flavor in liqueurs, breads, pastries, candies, cuisines and dishes.
The seeds are used whole or ground. Western countries use anise quite a bit to flavor drinks and confections. In India, there is no difference between anise and fennel and anise is used as an ingredient in curries and curry powders. Anethole, the chemical in anise that gives it its flavor is found in both anise and star anise, although star anise is unrelated to anise.
Anise is used as a major portion of the flavor absinthe, an alchohol that was popular in the 1800's but later banned, but now making a comeback. Anise is used to flavor ouzo, which is a liqueur in Greece. Jägermeister, an alcoholic drink from Germany and popular in the United States, uses the flavor of anise. Sambuca, another popular alcoholic drink beverage from Italy uses anise to flavor. It is also used in some root beer.