Anise

Latin name - Pimpinella anisum
aka - Anis, Aniseed, Sweet Cumin, Sweet Fennel,
Tut-te See-Hau (native American),
Yan kok (Chinese), Saunf (Indian).

My history as a spice goes way back.  I've been used for medicinal purposes and as a flavoring since prehistoric times.  The Romans even used me to prevent indigestion.  It's been said that I'm also helpful in preventing bad dreams, treating scorpion bites and to ward off the evil eye.  Even more tasty uses have been found for me in recent times. My seeds have the aroma and taste of licorice. I'm a distant cousin of the caraway, dill, cumin and fennel families. My pedigree is native to the Middle East but I can also be found in Mexico and Spain.  The Europeans use me to flavor cookies, cakes and sweet breads while I end up in soups and stews in India and the Middle East.  My licorice-like flavor is the star of the show in candies while my oil ends up as a unique accent in liquors. I can even spice up fish and seafood dishes.  Please let me introduce myself, my name is Anise.