anise
[ AN-ihss ]
Known as far back as at least 1500 B.C., this small annual plant is a member of the parsley family. Both the leaves and seed have a distinctive, sweet licorice flavor. The greenish brown, comma-shaped anise seed perfumes and flavors a variety of confections as well as savory dishes. It's also used to flavor drinks such as
PASTIS,
ARRACK,
ANISETTE and
OUZO. Anise seed plays an important role in the cooking of Southeast Asia. Chinese cooks are more likely to use
STAR ANISE than anise seed.
© Copyright Barron's Educational Services, Inc. 1995 based on THE FOOD LOVER'S
COMPANION, 2nd edition, by Sharon Tyler Herbst.
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