Arabic Name and Pronunciation: Yansoun, the pronounciation in Arabic is yan-soon
Origin: Aniseed grows naturally in Egypt, Greece and Spain. It is one of the oldest spices.
Taste: Aniseed is sweet with a licorice flavor. In fact, most licorice contains aniseed!
Buying Aniseed: At the market, look for green seeds. When they turn bad, they will change to a pale brown color. They do turn bad quickly, so buying aniseed in the seed form is ideal. It is available ground, also.
Storing Aniseed: Try to buy aniseed in the seed form and grind it in a processor as needed. However, it yo can find it only ground, be sure to keep it in an airtight container.
Uses for Aniseed: Aniseed is used in sweets like candies, desserts and drinks. It is also used medicinally to relieve cramps and gas. It is common in the Middle East for mothers to give their babies aniseed tea to relieve gas.
