ANISE SEEDS ORGANIC

Anise, (Latin: Pimpinella anisum), is one of the older spices in the world still in common use. Western consumption of the licorice-flavored spice dates back at least as far as the days of Ancient Rome. Now as we all know, history has shown that the Romans were generally not known for exercising restraint at meal times. This, as you can well imagine led to an awful lot of indigestion. According to archaeological evidence, ancient Roman cooks employed anise in an effort to end the epidemic of gastrointestinal trauma they had on their hands. After witnessing the tragic results of the infamous, ahem, orgies of eating and drinking the city was known for, cooks turned to the folklore of the time that indicated anise as an effective antidote for indigestion. One of these cooks developed a small cake made of the spice that could be served after meals. The cake was a success and hastened the end of the dietary justice being meted out on overeaters by their own stomachs. While the end of the Roman Empire was also not far behind, the popularity of the spice grew over the ensuing centuries.

And why not? Aside from its dietary benefits, anise is a delicious addition to recipes of all varieties in many cultures. Appetizers, mains, desert and yes, even beverages can be flavored with the spice. Depending on the quantity used, the result is either a subtle layer or dazzling panoply of black licorice intertwined with notes of fresh pepper, faint touches of cinnamon and delicate hints of sweetness. We recommend experimenting by blending our organic anise seeds with your teas to create custom spicy blends your customers will fall in love with. A warning though, it's delicious. They may be tempted to overindulge Roman style!