Horti Tops® Anise (Pimpinella Anisum)

Anise (Pimpinella Anisum) (Pimpinella anisum)

The Original Licorice Flavor

Anise is one of the oldest cultivated spices, grown for over 4,000 years. Its sweet, licorice-like flavor is found in cuisines worldwide – from Italian biscotti to Indian curries to Greek ouzo. Despite the name, it is unrelated to star anise (which comes from a tree).

Culinary Uses

Baking: Classic in biscotti, pfeffernüsse, springerle, and other traditional cookies. Also excellent in cakes and breads.

Spirits: Essential in ouzo, pastis, sambuca, arrack, and absinthe.

Savory dishes: Used in Indian curries, Italian sausages, and Middle Eastern stews.

Candy: The traditional licorice flavor (though most modern licorice uses different flavoring).

Medicinal Uses

Anise has been used for digestive complaints since ancient times. It helps relieve gas, bloating, and indigestion. Anise tea is a gentle remedy safe for children. It also has mild expectorant properties for coughs.

Growing Anise

Anise needs a long, warm growing season to produce seeds. Start early indoors or direct sow after last frost. Plants reach about 60cm tall with feathery leaves and umbrella-like flower heads. Harvest seeds when they turn gray-brown, before they fall.

Growing Anise (Pimpinella Anisum)