Ground Green Anise - Mediterranean

What is ground green anise?

Green anise is a species of herbaceous plant, Pimpinella anisum, which belongs to the Apiaceae family. Chervil, parsley, coriander, cumin and caraway are also found in the family. It is a small plant, about 50 cm high. Both its leaves and seeds are used. If it is sometimes offered in seeds, I have chosen to offer it here ground. It will thus be able to integrate very simply all your preparations. The green anise comes to us from the east of the Mediterranean basin. My ground green anise is grown in Syria. Green anise has been used for a very long time, it appears in one of the oldest medical treatises, which dates back to 1550 BC. While it is widely used in countries around the Mediterranean basin, ground green anise is now consumed worldwide. In France, it was democratized under Charlemagne who, appreciating this spice, requested that it be cultivated on royal estates.

What is the flavour of ground green anise?

The ground green anise has an aniseed flavour of course. The seeds have a nice fruity smell. To the taste, we like this quality between the sweetness of a sweet spice and the power it brings to your dishes to spice them up in the best way.

Harvesting green aniseed in plantations

The Pimpinella asinum produces white flowers which in turn will produce grey-green berries. It is these green anise seeds that are harvested to be then marketed or transformed into ground green anise. However, different parts of this plant can be used for medicinal purposes or in cooking. All parts of the plant are aromatic, including the leaves, stem, fruit, flowers and roots. This plant is cultivated in a light and healthy soil, it prefers sunny exposures, it resists perfectly to heat which allows it to produce beautiful seeds. The seeds are harvested at maturity during the autumn, while the leaves can be harvested before.

How to use ground green anise in cooking?

You will love ground green anise for its ability to incorporate many of your recipes. Sweet and fragrant, it naturally finds its place in your desserts. Because of its origins, this spice is found in many oriental pastries and especially in chebakia, a beautiful combination of sesame, ground green anise, cinnamon and orange blossom. You can also make very simple cakes with eggs, sugar, flour and green anise. The green anise is also widely used in confectionery, we find this spice in the famous Anis de Flavigny. Ground green aniseed also finds its place in savoury dishes. Make a delicious cucumber gazpacho with this spice and offer it as an aperitif in a glass. If you like fish, don't hesitate to put a little ground green aniseed in white butter to spice it up and accompany a pike-perch.

The health benefits of ground green aniseed

Green anise has always been recognized for its medicinal properties. It fights against digestion problems and especially against colic in infants. A natural expectorant, it can be used if you suffer from bronchitis. Ground green anise is also recommended to relieve nausea.

Conservation of ground green aniseed

I deliver my ground green anise in a resealable airtight bag. It is best to store it away from light and humidity.