Anise (Pimpinella anisum): Sweet, Licorice-Flavored Annual for Seeds and Leaves

Overview

Anise (Pimpinella anisum) is a delicate annual herb native to the eastern Mediterranean and Southwest Asia. It grows 1-2 feet tall with feathery, divided leaves and compound umbels of tiny white flowers in mid-summer, followed by the characteristic gray-green, ribbed seeds (fruits) with intense sweet licorice flavor (anethole).

Botanical Details

• Family: Apiaceae (carrot family)
• Genus: Pimpinella
• Species: anisum

Growing & Uses

Direct sow in spring after frost in full sun, light, well-drained soil. Taproot resents transplanting. Harvest seeds when brown; dry thoroughly. Seeds flavor breads, cookies, liqueurs (ouzo, anisette), sausages, curries. Leaves used fresh in salads, soups. Medicinally carminative, expectorant. Annual; self-sows modestly.