Bulk Anise Seed Whole

Pimpinella anisum
Anise seed, whole image
[ 699 ]Pimpinella anisum

Anise Seed Whole

1/4 Pound:  $3.04 Pound:  $6.75 buy now  

Serving cake to signal the close of weddings and other celebratory events is modeled after the ancient Roman tradition of serving mustaceoe, a cake spiced with anise seed to enhance digestion.

SQF Certified Logo
kosher certificate informationsqf certificate information
We offer discounted pricing on orders over 100 pounds. Contact Us

a.
quick look

information at a glance

approximate cups to one pound3.5
originturkey
active compoundsContains 70-90% Anethole from the 1-4% volatile oil, fatty acid, flavonoids, furanocoumarins, sterols, proteins, and phenylpropanoids, coumarins, and carbohydrates.
plant part usedseed
processingwhole

b.
buying & keeping

general guidelines and tips

storage tipsStore in a sealed container in a cool, dry place.
appearance & aromaThe small, brown-grey seeds are slightly curved with a scent similar to licorice.

c.
uses

try something new

culinaryUsed in many different cuisines, including Middle Eastern, Italian, German, Indian and Mexican cooking. Anise seed flavors various shortbreads and cookies, such Biscotti and Peffernusse and other Old World traditional baked goods.
aromaticAnise seed can be added to potpourri and incense blends.
wellnessIn India, anise seed is often chewed after a meal to enhance digestion and sweeten breath.
industrialAnise seed is a flavoring agent in the food and beverage industries. In addition to commercial baked goods and other processed foods, it is found in French Chartreuse, German Jägermeister and Greek ouzo, among other liquors. The essential oil derived from the seed is used as an insecticide and fish attractant.

d.
flavor profile

anise seed

Sweet and mildly spicy.


culinary companions

The flavor pairs well with apples, stewed fruits, beef (especially in stew), sausage and sharp cheeses.

f.
what else you should know

anise seed

Anise seed is to dogs what catnip is to cats. In fact, greyhounds and foxhounds are enticed to chase and fetch false prey by cloth sacks soaked in anise seed oil. Anise is also used as bait for fish and rodents.

In 13th century England, King Edward I permitted taxes to be paid with anise seed. Under the command of King James I in the 14th century, however, the spice became the subject of taxation in order to raise finds to repair London Bridge. A fondness for the spice remained in the royal family, most notably with King Edward IV. According to the Royal Wardrobe Accounts of 1480, and upon the king’s orders, his personal linen wardrobe was scented with "lytil bagges of fustian stuffed with ireos and anneys." This is probably how anise earned a reputation for inducing sweet dreams when placed in the linen closet or under one’s pillow. Of course, the belief held at the time that aniseed inspired passionate prowess under the sheets may have had something to do with it.

The tradition of serving cake at wedding receptions is thought to originate with the ancient Roman practice of ending a feast with mustaceum, a cake spiced with aniseed and wrapped in a layer of bay leaves. The Roman naturalist and philosopher, Pliny the Elder, who wrote about anise more than any other botanical, highly recommended the use of anise in wedding cake to stimulate the couple’s appetite for romance on their wedding night.


Background: Ancient Romans used it as part of their meals Some even used it as an aphrodisiac.

Description: Native to the Mediterranean, Asian, and North African regions, this plant grows up to 2 feet tall and has grows annually to produce feather-laden leaves and yellow flowers. It is cultivated in gardens and grown on a commercial scale.  When seeds ripen in warm months, they are harvested and dried in trays.

Safety: Do not use if pregnant, unless used as a flavoring in food. Only take the essential oil orally with a doctor's supervision. High doses of the oil can cause nausea and vomiting.

Frequently bought together


for educational purposes only

This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

please be advised:  Before making any changes to your diet you should always consult with your doctor, especially if you are pregnant, nursing or have existing conditions.

All reviews solely reflect the views and opinions expressed by the reviewer and not that of Monterey Bay Herb Co. We do not verify or endorse any claims made by any reviewer. None of these statements have been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.