anise ... anise ... anise ... anise ... anise ... anise

Anise

The greek mathematician, Pythagoras, apparently believed that anise would prevent epilepsy (he also though that eating beans would destroy your mathematical ability -- although he was talking about Fava beans, rather than the Boston Baked variety).

Anise has been used for thousands of years, as a flavoring, breath sweetener, digestive aid, cough suppressant, air freshener, mousetrap bait, and (more recently) as the scent on the artificial rabbit that is used in greyhound races.

Anise tastes like licorice (or rather, licorice tastes like anise), and it is the seeds that are used to flavor everything from candy, to liquors, to toothpaste. The Greek beverage, Ouzo, is flavored with anise.

Anise seeds were used in Roman times to pay taxes -- in fact, many spices played the role of money in ancient times, as they were valuable and quite portable.

Recipes: