Wholesale Anise

01.
A Bit of Botany

a bit of botanical information for anise

description
A member of the Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) family, Anise is a herbaceous annual plant growing to 3 feet or more. The leaves at the base of the plant are simple, ⅜-2 inches long and shallowly lobed, while leaves higher on the stems are feathery pinnate, divided into numerous leaves. The flowers are white, approximately ⅛ inches in diameter, produced in dense umbels. The fruit is an oblong dry schizocarp, ⅛-¼ inches long, usually called "aniseed".

common names
& nomenclature
The early Arabic name was "Anysum" from which was derived the Greek "Anison" or "Anneson" and the Latin "anisum." Called anise in virtually all European languages, the form anis is also valid in a large number of languages. The Medieval name "Pimpinella" is derived from the Latin name "dipinella," meaning twice-pinnate or bi-pinnate in allusion to the form of the leaves.

Also known as:
aniseed,
sweet cumin,
chinese anise,
and
anisi fructose

02.
Where In The World

habitat and range for anise

Anise, Pimpinella anisum, is native to the Mediterranean region and Egypt; it is also cultivated in Europe, Asia India, Mexico, North Africa, and the USSR.

03.
Cultivation & Harvesting

considerations for growing anise

climate
The plant requires a warm sunny location and long frost-free growing season of 120 days.

soil
Anise plants grow best in light, fertile, well drained soil and appear to respond well to nitrogen fertilization by yielding a greater quantity of high-quality fruit.

growing
Anise seeds should be planted as soon as the ground warms up in spring. Because the plants have a taproot, they do not transplant well after being established, so they should be started either in their final location or transplanted while the seedlings are still small.

harvesting
After the flower umbels have become heavy with ripe brown seeds, cut the heads off before they drop. Place them in a single layer on a paper towel or plate in a dry place. If possible, expose to direct sunlight to allow the seeds to completely dry out. When the seeds are crisp and dry, rub between palms to separate the seed from the hull, sieve to remove seeds from the husks, and store in airtight containers.

preserving
Store seed in a cool, dry place.

04.
The Rest of The Story

What is an Anise Seed?

Anise seeds are the seeds of the anise plant, which is a flowering annual that's native to the eastern Mediterranean region and Southwest Asia.

What is Anise Seed good for?

Anise seed is good for a variety of culinary uses as a spice, with it’s sweet and mildly spicy flavor and aroma. I has a variety of health benefits ranging from helping with digestion to being used as an expectorant.

The health benefits of anise seed
Anise has been used for centuries by the Greeks who understood that it had health benefits – even if they didn’t have scientific laboratories to test their theories.It was commonly used (and still is) as a flavoring for food. It is mostly used for dishes that have a touch of sweetness or a bit of spice.

Anise has long been known as an aphrodisiac. It was used by the Greeks to help enhance romance for lovers. Modern research shows that anise actually does increase attraction among people. So the next time you’re looking for romance, you may want to try a recipe that uses anise seed.

In addition to helping cupid, anise has benefits for your body. Anise is a carminative. That's a scientific way of saying that it helps to relieve gas. As a result, it's helpful for problems such as flatulence and colic. It can also help to reduce bloating that comes from gas.

If you’re suffering from spasms from poor digestion, such as intestinal cramping, anise can relieve your problems. It's an antispasmodic that can help to relieve the muscular cramping that causes pain in the digestive tract. It can also relieve menstrual cramps and is particularly good at this when taken as a tea.

Anise can also help to stimulate the pancreas. The pancreas is an important part of the body that's responsible for regulating insulin and some hormones. When the pancreas is in good health, you'll lower your risk for diabetes and other hormonal problems.

If you have a cough or cold, anise seed can help to provide you with relief. It works as an expectorant that actually thins the mucous in your respiratory system. You’ll have thinner mucus, so your coughs will be more productive. That means you can actually remove the source of the cough.

In addition to all of these functions, anise seed can also help to cure a bout of insomnia. It helps to relax the body and prepare it for a restful night of sleep. You'll be able to stop counting sheep and start enjoying your dreams again.

Anise seed recipes and formulations

Used in a variety of different cuisines in Middle Eastern, Italian, German, Indian and Mexican cooking. Anise seeds are used to flavor a variety of shortbreads and cookies and other traditional baked goods. For example, you can simply add it to any recipes that you enjoy. This is an easy and flavorful way to add essential nutrients to your diet. However, you can also drink anise tea, take anise decoction, make extracts and you can even use the essential oils.

How make anise extract from Seeds

• Place the 1 tbsp of Anise Seeds in clean container with a good seal
• Crush the Anise Seeds a bit
• Pour 100ml of vodka over the top
• Seal and allow to sit in a cool dark place for a couple months.
• When it reaches your preferred intensity, filter out the anise seeds