Anise
Anise
Anise (/ˈænɪs/; Pimpinella anisum), also known as aniseed, is a flowering plant in the family Apiaceae native to the eastern Mediterranean region and Southwest Asia.
Pronunciation
Anise is pronounced as /ˈænɪs/.
Etymology
The word "anise" comes from the Latin word anisum, or Greek anison, which means dill.
Description
Anise is a herbaceous annual plant growing to 3 ft (0.9 m) tall. The leaves at the base of the plant are simple, 3⁄8–2 in (1–5 cm) long and shallowly lobed, while leaves higher on the stems are feathery pinnate, divided into numerous small leaflets. The flowers are white, approximately 1⁄8 inch (3 mm) in diameter, produced in dense umbels. The fruit is an oblong dry schizocarp, 1⁄8–1⁄4 in (3–6 mm) long, usually called "aniseed".
Culinary Uses
Anise is used in a variety of dishes and sweets due to its sweet, aromatic taste. It is a key ingredient in many liqueurs, such as absinthe, ouzo, and sambuca. It is also used in some root beers, such as Virgil's Root Beer.
Medicinal Uses
Anise has been used in traditional medicine for its carminative effect. It is known to aid digestion and alleviate coughing and congestion. It is also used in the production of anethole, which is a major component of the medicinal properties of the plant.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Anise
- Wikipedia's article - Anise
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