What is "aniseed"?

Aniseed, also known simply as anise, is a small flowering plant native to the Eastern Mediterranean and Southwest Asia. The seeds of the plant are highly aromatic and have a sweet, licorice-like flavor with hints of herbal and spicy notes. Aniseed is commonly used as a flavoring agent in culinary applications, particularly in baking and confectionery, where it adds a distinctive taste to cookies, cakes, breads, and pastries. It is also used to flavor alcoholic beverages such as ouzo, raki, and anisette. Additionally, aniseed is valued for its potential medicinal properties and has been used in traditional medicine to aid digestion, relieve coughs and colds, and promote relaxation.