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- Origin
Anise is one of the oldest ether and medicinal plants. People in Ancient Greece and Rome knew about it. It is believed that anise was first cultivated in Eastern Mediterranean, while other sources claim that it comes from Ancient Egypt.
Ancient Romans were the first ones to use anise seeds for medicinal purposes and in food. In I AD anise was used in mustaceus – the famous spicy pies baked in bay leaves and eaten after the feasts in order to prevent indigestion. Anise plant used to be tied at the head of the bed in order to fresh the air and chase the bad dreams away.
- Varieties
In culinary ground anise seeds are used more often, but fresh leaves and fruits can be used as well. Essential oil and anise liquor are also in use
- Flavour
Anise has a sweet taste and a very peculiar smell due to the concentration of essential oils in its seeds. Ground fruits of anise are used in culinary and they give spicy and slightly minty aroma to the dishes.
- Usage
Anise is often used in bakery: for pies, biscuits and cupcakes. It also goes well with porridges, puddings and fruit salads. Anise adds a very interesting aftertaste to vegetables such as red cabbage, cucumbers, carrots and beetroot. It improves the taste of fish due to its antioxidant qualities.
Anise should be added to the main courses during cooking, while it better to add it to sauces at the very end.
- Amount
Normally 0.2-2 g of anise is enough for 1 litre of sauce, while the norm for one portion of main course is approximately 0.5 g.
- Combinations and supplements
Anise can be supplemented by caraway (and vice versa). Anise flavour goes particularly well with the taste and scent of apples.
- Storage
It is best to buy anise seeds whole and to store them in the tightly closed containers, away from the sunlight. Young seeds lose their flavour very fast, while dark and brown colour of seeds is a sign that the seeds are old and will not be able to extract too much aroma from them.
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(NC)—If you experience fatigue after eating, or experience gas, bloating, heartburn, acid reflux, or nausea, you may be suffering from impaired digestion due to a lack of proper enzymes in your system.
