This is a plant generally found in East Mediterranean region. The plant is cultivated in many parts of Europe. It is also found in South America and Mexico.
Aniseed is a plant of Apeaceae plant family. This is an annual plant with height of about 50 Cms. The leaves are bright green and feathery type. The flowers are white and Umbelliferae. The fruits so called seeds are grayish brown in color in addition, about 3 to 5 Cms. in length. The fruits are in oval shape with stalks attached at the end. The fruits have an agreeable odor this comes from Anethole the main constituent of Aniseed oil.
Usage:
Aniseed gives a sweet aromatic flavor when used in cooking. In India aniseed and fennel, which have similar flavor, are used in place of one another. In Hindi Aniseed is Valaiti Saunf and Fennel as Saunf. As Aniseed is carminative it is used as a cure for colic and flatulence.
