Anise, Pimpinella anisum, is a small Mediterranean herb whose seeds taste of liquorice. They flavour ouzo, pastis, sambuca, biscuits and breads. In India it is less common than fennel, which tastes similar and is often what saunf means. It is a food spice. It must never be confused with Japanese star anise, a toxic look-alike of the Chinese star anise used in Indian cooking.
- Botanical name
- Pimpinella anisum L.
- Family
- Apiaceae
- Tamil
- Anise
- Hindi
- Saunf-anise
- Parts used
- Ripe fruit
- Habit
- Anise; fennel is a cousin, not this seed
- Last updated
- 2026-10-30
How to recognise Anise
It is a delicate annual, up to about half a metre tall. The lower leaves are rounded and toothed, and the upper leaves are feathery.
Small white flowers grow in umbrella-shaped clusters, typical of the carrot family.
The seeds are small, oval, ribbed and greyish-brown, with fine hairs and a sweet liquorice smell.
Fennel seeds, Foeniculum vulgare, are larger, greener and smoother. Star anise, Illicium verum, is a star-shaped woody fruit from an unrelated tree.
Traditional use of Anise
Mediterranean kitchen
Anise seed flavours breads, cakes, biscuits and liqueurs around the Mediterranean.
Mediterranean food practice
Digestive
Anise seeds are chewed after meals and brewed as a tea for digestion, as fennel is in India.
Traditional practice
Modern notes on Anise
Its flavour comes from anethole, the same compound in fennel and star anise.
Japanese star anise, Illicium anisatum, contains neurotoxins and has caused poisoning when sold in place of true star anise.
Anise safety
Use anise seed as a spice. Buy star anise from reliable sources, because the Japanese species is toxic.
Ecology and sourcing
It is native to the eastern Mediterranean and south-west Asia.
It needs a warm, dry summer to ripen seed, so it is grown mainly in Europe, Turkey, Egypt and Iran.
Its flowers attract bees and other pollinators.
Related plants
Also in Apiaceae
Questions about Anise
Is saunf anise?
Usually saunf means fennel. Anise is a different plant with a similar taste.
Is Anise star anise?
No. Star anise is Illicium verum, an unrelated tree.
Why does Anise taste like liquorice?
It contains anethole.
Sources
- Pimpinella anisum L. — Plants of the World Online, Kew (search) (accessed 2026)
- Wikidata item Q28692 (Pimpinella anisum)
Educational page about a plant. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not an offer to sell. Traditional use is historical. If you need care, ask a licensed clinician. Questions: hello@meevamed.com.