Anise

Anise is an annual herb native to the Mediterranean and the Middle East, whose seeds have been used as a spice since ancient times. It has a distinctly sweet flavour and aroma reminiscent of liquorice, derived from the essential oil anethole. In the kitchen, it is used in baking gingerbread, Christmas cookies and breads, as well as in the production of liqueurs, sweets and herbal teas. It is a common ingredient in mulled wine and punch spice blends. Anise is known to aid digestion and is traditionally served after meals as a tea or digestif. It should not be confused with star anise, which comes from a different plant but has a similar flavour.