Aniseed

How to Identify aniseed

Aniseed is the small greenish-gray seed of anise plant, an annual herb with dainty white flowers, in umbrella like clusters, bearing a small fruit that splits in two seeds. The plant can grow up to 22 inches (60cm) and has bright green leaves. Its sugary mildly licorice taste is very popular in kids’ sweets.

Anise is native to the middle East. It grows very well in countries with a warm temperate climate, like those surrounding the Mediterranean where it is cultivated, mainly in Spain, Greece, and Egypt. The anise plant is also cultivated in Mexico and India.

How to use and store aniseed

It s available whole or ground. Buy preferably whole and store them in airtight containers, away from sunlight. Look for greenish color, because the seeds turn brown as they get stale. Grind them in a mortar or pepper mill, as necessary. Ground aniseed quickly looses its flavor and aroma

Use aniseed to flavor sweets, creams, cakes and breads. It can be added to soups, sauces, pork, or vegetables as you would with fennel. Aniseed is used as flavor in alcoholic liqueurs like the French pastis, Pernod or Ricard, the Spanish ojen or anis, the Greek ouzo, the Turkish rakis or the Arab arrak. Those liquors are typically enjoyed at the end of a copious meal.

How to grow aniseed

The seeds like a long hot summer to ripen. Sow in early spring in a spot with plenty of sunlight. Thin the seedlings to about 8” (20cm) and keep them carefully weeded.

The seed heads can be harvested when they change color. The seeds should be hang to dry in a paper bag, in a warm, dry place.

Cooking with aniseed

Some suggestions for savory and sweet dishes.

Lemon-Anise Baked Fish

a whole white fish, like sea bream or sea bass, scaled, clean and ready for the oven
    (2.2lb would render 4 servings)
4 tbsp olive oil, and some for the pan
pepper
salt
4 tsp aniseed
3-4 lemon slices

1. Warm the oven to 390°F (180°C)
2. Score the fish on one side two or three times and introduce a half lemon slice in each cut.
3. Introduce a few seeds inside, season with salt and pepper, and brush with olive oil.
4. Set on an oven pan, cover the bottom with olive oil to prevent the fish from sticking to the pan, and scatter a few more seeds on the oil.
5. Bake until ready. Be careful not to overcook. It should take about 40 minutes for a 2.2lb fish.

TIP – You can cook the fish on top of a grill, turning once. Try the lemon slices inside. A charcoal fire adds extra flavor, but an ordinary grill can do a good job.

Cooking your way with aniseed

Now, it is your turn. Try sprinkling ground aniseed on carrots, adding a little bit to your cake mix, to get a flavor like Italian biscotti. The fresh leaves can be used in salads.