Anise Seed Substitute
Anise seed is a popular spice, and is used in a great number of cuisines and dishes for its sweet licorice like flavor. The same flavor can be found in seeds of some other plants, which are also used for culinary purposes, and many times as anise seed substitutes. Know more about the anise seed substitute.
Anise or Pimpinella anisum is a flowering plant that belongs to the family of Apiaceae, which is also known as parsley family. The plant is native to Southwest Asia and the Eastern Mediterranean region. Anise seeds or aniseed are the crescent shaped seeds of this plant, that are widely used for culinary purposes throughout the world. Anise seeds are highly valued as a spice for its sweet licorice flavor.
Anise Seed Health Benefits
Anise seeds are not only popular for their rich flavor, but for several health benefits as well. One of the most important anise seed benefits is that, it can alleviate gastrointestinal problems by improving digestion. In India, anise seeds are chewed after meal to ensure proper digestion of food, besides using in the preparation of many dishes. You can get relief from any kind of gastrointestinal or digestive problems like, indigestion, bloating and gas by using anise seed. It is also used as a home remedy for treating colic in infants.
Anise seeds are known to posses expectorant properties, for which they can facilitate the expulsion of phlegm from the respiratory tract to relieve cough and congestion. They contain phytoestrogen and can prove very effective in menstrual problems and increasing breast milk. Apart from these, anise seeds are known to improve memory, stimulate the pancreas, provide relief in irritable bowel syndrome and headaches, and increase libido. More on anise seed for babies.
Anise Seed Substitute
By now, you must be wanting to know what can you substitute for anise seed when cooking. You might have come across the names like, star anise, fennel seeds, and caraway seeds. The flavor of these seeds closely resemble the smell of anise seeds. So, let’s find out, if they can be used as anise seed substitutes.
Star Anise
Those looking for a less expensive anise seed substitute can use star anise seeds. Star anise is a small evergreen tree, native to China and Vietnam. Star anise seed is an important spice, used widely in Chinese, Indian and Malaysian cuisines. Like, anise seeds, they can too improve digestion and relieve abdominal pain, headache and prevent colic in babies. It is a source of ‘shikimic acid’, used to create anti-flu drug or Tamiflu. The seeds contain anethole, the same substance which can be attributed for the flavor of anise seeds. So, anise star can be substituted for anise seed, but, can one substitute anise seed for star anise? Yes anise seed can be substituted for star anise. One star anise is equivalent to about 1/2 teaspoon of crushed anise seeds and accordingly, both can be substituted for each other.
Fennel Seed Another anise seed substitute is fennel seed. It is an integral part of Indian and Chinese cuisines. It also contain the compound, anethole and that is why its flavor is similar to that of anise seed. However, fennel seed is a bit more aromatic and sweeter than anise seed. The medicinal properties of fennel seed are also similar to those of anise seed, i.e. it too can alleviate digestive problems, and help woman to get relief from premenstrual and menopause symptoms
or discomforts. More on premenstrual syndrome.
Caraway Seed Caraway or Meridian fennel plant is a member of the same family, Apiaceae, to which anise plant belongs. So, caraway seeds too has a delicate licorice like flavor, just like the anise seeds. Therefore, along with fennel and star anise, caraway seeds can also be substituted for anise seeds. The important health benefits of caraway seeds are providing relief in cold, cough, sore throat, fever, bronchitis
, gingivitis, and irritable bowel syndrome. It can prove quite beneficial for stimulating appetite. Lear more about
- Coriander Seed Substitute
- Cumin Seed Substitute
So, fennel seed, caraway seed, and star anise can be substituted for anise seed. But, can you substitute anise oil for anise seed? Yes, you can use anise oil for anise seed too. But you have to be a bit careful, as the oil can be stronger than the anise seeds. On the other hand, it is always safe to use fennel seed, star anise, and caraway seed, as anise substitutes. They are widely used in Asian countries for making a number of savory dishes, and hence, can be used as safe anise seed substitute. But, it is also true that no one can completely match the characteristic flavor of anise seeds, for which it is always best to use anise seed to make those special anise seed recipes, like Italian pizzelle, springerle, aniseed balls or picarones.
