 Anise
(stressed on the first syllable, rhyming
with "Janice"), or more rarely anís
(stressed on the second syllable, as "a
niece") (Pimpinella anisum) is an herb in
the family Apiaceae (formerly Umbelliferae)
whose seed-like fruit (also called aniseed)
is used in sweet baking as well as in
anise-flavored liqueurs (e.g. Ouzo). The
fruit consists of two united carpels, called
a cremocarp, and has a strong aromatic taste
and a powerful odour. Anise seed is also
used in some curries and seafood dishes, and
is used as a breath sweetener and digestive
aid. It is also used to make Aniseed Balls,
a hard UK sweet.
All above-ground parts of the young anise
plant are also eaten as a vegetable. The
stems resemble those of celery in texture
and are much milder in flavor than the
fruits. Anise is believed to be a
galactagogue, or a substance that increases
lactation.
By distillation the fruit yields the
volatile oil of anise, which is useful in
the treatment of flatulence and colic in
children. It may be given as Aqua Anisi, in
doses of one or more ounces, or as the
Spiritus Anisi, in doses of 5-20 minims.
The primary constituent of the oil (up to
90%) is anethole, C10H12O or
C6H4[1.4](OCH3)(CH:CH.CH3.) It also contains
methyl chavicol, anisic aldehyde, anisic
acid, and a terpene.
The Chinese star anise also contains
anethole but is botanically unrelated to
anise. Because of its similar taste and
aroma, it has recently come into use in the
West as a (cheaper) substitute for anise in
baking as well as in liquor production.
Anisette
Anisette is
an anise-flavored liqueur from France. It is
sweeter than most anise-flavored liqueurs
(such as pastis), and also has a lower
alcohol content (typically 25% by volume,
versus 40%). Marie Brizard is the most
well-known brand of anisette.
Anisette Liqueur
Recipe
Anisette, is very easy to make. It resembles
the flavor of black licorice and is quit
good in mixed drinks.
- 15.7 oz.
(466 ml.) 100° proof Vodka (non-flavored)
- 7 drops
anise oil
- 9.6 oz.
(284 ml.) simple syrup
- 1 tsp.
(5 ml.) glycerin (optional)
Add alcohol
to the bottle in which the anisette will be
stored; add anise oil and shake vigorously
until all oil is dissolved (1 min.) Add the
rest of the ingredients and again shake
well.
Presto—it's
ready to drink!
30% Alc. by Vol. (60°). Makes 750 ml. |
