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.
