What is anise used for?

Anise is a sweet, aromatic flavoring agent that tastes like black licorice and is a spice used in a variety of Mediterranean food and beverage recipes. The seeds, either whole or ground, are most commonly used as seasoning in baked goods and deserts such as Italian Biscotti.

Anise is also used in a variety of meat and sausage combinations. It can be found as a flavoring in candies and breath mints as well. Regional liquors use it as a base to create many well-known spirits, including absinthe, anisette, ouzo and sambuca. Anise is also used for its pungent aroma in soaps, sachets, perfumes and creams.