Anise vs. licorice is a very debated topic when it comes to choosing the spice for the recipe. Although they both have similar flavors and fragrances, they are distinct from each other. Here is detailed anise vs. licorice to guide you about both spices and differentiate them on different parameters.
Anise and licorice are quite the opposite when it comes to their taste and culinary uses. The taste of anise can be described as a spicy one with undertones of sweetness. On the other side, you will find the taste of licorice can be sour, bitter, and even salty.
Anise has a beautiful fragrance added to the recipe to enhance the sweet and spicy flavors. In addition to this, anise is also best used in perfumes, bathing products, and scented candles.
The root of the licorice has a sweet taste and can be utilized in making candies, desserts, and other sweet recipes and drinks. It is also used in fragrances.
I have mentioned all the differences and similarities between anise and licorice in this article. But before going ahead, let us take a little idea about how they differ from the difference table mentioned below.
Anise vs. Licorice | Difference Table
| Basis Of Differences | Anise | Licorice |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Anise originated from Eastern Mediterranean and Southwest Asia. Moreover, it belongs to the Apiaceous and Genus Pimpinella family, which possesses long, thin, and green stems. | Licorice originated in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. But now it is grown around the area of the Mediterranean and some areas of the United States. The scientific name of the licorice is glycyrrhiza glabra. This means its roots belong to the everlasting herb of the pea family. |
| Nature | Aniseed is a kind of fruit that belongs to the anise herb plant. | Licorice is the root that has been derived from the licorice plant. |
| Taste | The taste of anise can be described as spicy with undertones of sweetness. | The taste of licorice can be sour, bitter, and even salty. |
| Plant Feature | Anise is a fruit obtained from the white flower. It belongs to the annual herb of the parsley family. The plant of the anise is able to gain a length of about 3 feet. There are simple leaves, long-stalked and shallowly lobed, that can be seen at the bottom of the anise plant. | Licorice is also a flowering plant that belongs to the everlasting herb of the bean family. The length of the licorice plant ranges between 3 to 7 feet. The leaves of this plant are gray-green in color with a velvety texture and oblong. This plant also creates upright stalks of tiny pale blue-violet flowers. |
| Growing Conditions | For growing the anise, the most important condition is to provide 6 or more hours of direct sunlight to grow. The plant of the anise flourishes well well-drained soil that is rich in organic. | For the growth of the licorice plant, well-drained and fertile soil is required. The soil rich in moisture is best for the growth of this plant. The ideal soil for this plant must be fertile, loamy, and neutral to slightly alkaline soil. |
| Culinary Uses | The anise is used in recipes and drinks with savory and sweet flavors. In addition to this, anise is also best used in perfumes, bathing products, and scented candles. | The root of the licorice has a sweet taste and can be utilized in making candies, desserts, and other sweet recipes and drinks. It is also used in fragrances. |
| Medicinal Properties | The studies show that compounds of the anise fruit are enriched in antimicrobial, antioxidant, and gastric protective effects. | Licorice has been used for thousands of years in Western and Eastern medicine for gastric protection, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, and respiratory protecting effects. |
What Is Anise?
Anise originated from Eastern Mediterranean and Southwest Asia. Moreover, it belongs to the Apiaceae and Genus Pimpinella family, which possesses long, thin, and green stems. The seeds originated from the conversion of white flowers. The seed of anise is thus used as the spice that enhances the flavors of the different recipes.
People believe that anise is a kind of seed, and this is because of its seed-like appearance. But it is not actually a seed; it is a fruit. It is called aniseed, not anise seeds. Aniseed is a kind of fruit that belongs to the anise herb plant. The taste of anise can be described as a spicy one with undertones of sweetness.
Anise is a fruit obtained from the white flower. It belongs to the annual herb of the parsley family. The plant of the anise is able to gain a length of about 3 feet. There are simple leaves, long-stalked and shallowly lobed, that can be seen at the bottom of the anise plant.
Whereas at the top of the anise plant, leaves are quite pinnated, have short stalks, and are feathered. The anise plant also has tiny white flowers that appear in disc-shaped clusters called umbels.
For growing the anise, the most important condition is to provide 6 or more hours of direct sunlight to grow. The plant of the anise flourishes well well-drained soil that is rich in organic. The soil must have a pH of 6 to 6.7. The plant of the anise has a tolerance for the drought but can not penetrate soggy soil.
The anise is used in recipes and drinks with savory and sweet flavors. Anise has a beautiful fragrance added to the recipe to enhance the sweet and spicy flavors. In addition to this, anise is also best used in perfumes, bathing products, and scented candles.
The studies show that compounds of the anise fruit are enriched in antimicrobial, antioxidant, and gastric protective effects. Even in the early period, anise has been widely used in the Middle East for its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and gastric protective effects.
What Is Licorice?
Licorice originated in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. But now it is grown around the area of the Mediterranean and some areas of the United States. The scientific name of the licorice is glycyrrhiza glabra. This means its roots belong to the everlasting herb of the pea family.
Licorice is the root that has been derived from the licorice plant. You will find the taste of licorice can be sour, bitter, and even salty. The plant licorice is also a flowering plant that belongs to the everlasting herb of the bean family. The length of the licorice plant ranges between 3 to 7 feet.
The leaves of this plant are gray-green in color with a velvety texture and oblong. This plant also creates upright stalks of tiny pale blue-violet flowers. For the growth of the licorice plant, well-drained and fertile soil is required.
The soil rich in moisture is best for the growth of this plant. The ideal soil for this plant must be fertile, loamy, and neutral to slightly alkaline soil. The plant licorice can be grown in the full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
The root of the licorice has a sweet taste and can be utilized in making candies, desserts, and other sweet recipes and drinks. It is also used in fragrances. Licorice is used for thousands of years in Western and Eastern medicine for gastric protection, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, and respiratory protecting effects.
Anise vs. Licorice | Difference Between The Two
1. Origin And Biotechnical Classification
The most crucial difference between anise and licorice is their place of origin. Anise originated from Eastern Mediterranean and Southwest Asia. Moreover, it belongs to the Apiaceae and Genus Pimpinella family, which possesses long, thin, and green stems.
The seeds originated from the conversion of white flowers. The seed of anise is thus used as the spice that enhances the flavors of the different recipes.
On the other hand, licorice has originated in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. But now it is grown around the area of the Mediterranean and some areas of the United States. The scientific name of the licorice is glycyrrhiza glabra. This means its roots belong to the everlasting herb of the pea family.
2. Nature
Another point of difference between anise and licorice is their biotechnical properties and their individual nature. People believe that anise is a kind of seed, and this is because of its seed-like appearance.
But it is not actually a seed; it is a fruit. It is called aniseed, not anise seeds. Aniseed is a kind of fruit that belongs to the anise herb plant.
On the other hand, licorice is the root that has been derived from the licorice plant.
3. Taste
When it comes to taste, both the anise and the licorice have the same flavor and smell. Although they have similar flavors, they are quite different in taste.
The taste of anise can be described as a spicy one with undertones of sweetness. On the other side, you will find the taste of licorice can be sour, bitter, and even salty.
4. The Features Of Plant
Anise is a fruit obtained from the white flower. It belongs to the annual herb of the parsley family. The plant of the anise is able to gain a length of about 3 feet. There are simple leaves, long-stalked and shallowly lobed, that can be seen at the bottom of the anise plant.
Whereas at the top of the anise plant, leaves are quite pinnated, have short stalks, and are feathered. The anise plant also has tiny white flowers that appear in disc-shaped clusters called umbels.
On the other hand, the plant licorice is also a flowering plant that belongs to the everlasting herb of the bean family. The length of the licorice plant ranges between 3 to 7 feet.
The leaves of this plant are gray-green in color with a velvety texture and oblong. This plant also creates upright stalks of tiny pale blue-violet flowers.
5. Growing Conditions
For growing the anise, the most important condition is to provide 6 or more hours of direct sunlight to grow. The plant of the anise flourishes well well-drained soil that is rich in organic. The soil must have a pH of 6 to 6.7. The plant of the anise has a tolerance for the drought but can not penetrate soggy soil.
On the other hand, for the growth of the licorice plant, well-drained and fertile soil is required. The soil rich in moisture is best for the growth of this plant.
The ideal soil for this plant must be fertile, loamy, and neutral to slightly alkaline soil. The plant licorice can be grown in the full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
6. Culinary Uses
Another important difference between anise and licorice is their culinary uses. The anise is used in recipes and drinks with savory and sweet flavors. Anise has a beautiful fragrance added to the recipe to enhance the sweet and spicy flavors.
In addition to this, anise is also best used in perfumes, bathing products, and scented candles. On the other hand, the root of the licorice has a sweet taste and can be utilized in making candies, desserts, and other sweet recipes and drinks. It is also used in fragrances.
7. Medicinal Properties
Both anise and licorice have been used for ages because of their medicinal properties. The studies show that compounds of the anise fruit are enriched in antimicrobial, antioxidant, and gastric protective effects.
Even in the early period, anise has been widely used in the Middle East for its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and gastric protective effects.
On the other hand, licorice has been used for thousands of years in Western and Eastern medicine for gastric protection, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, and respiratory protecting effects.
Anise vs. Licorice | Similarities Between The Two
After recalling all the points of the difference between both anise and licorice, let us move forward and learn about their few similarities.
- Both anise and licorice are used as spices in many different recipes.
- They both are loaded with so many medicinal properties.
- Both anise and licorice have somewhat similar tastes.
Top Recipes To Make With Anise
1. South African Bobotie-Spiced Risotto
Try this delicious recipe of South African bobotie-spiced risotto in the comfort of your home. You can prepare this dish in less than an hour. It is enriched with cream cheese and has a strong taste of white wine. This recipe is full of flavors, spices, and dry fruits.
2. Fried Banana
Want to give a twist to your regular fruit? Then try this scrumptious recipe for fried bananas. It is a sweet dish with the strong spicy flavor of anise. You can prepare this recipe in just half an hour and with few ingredients.
3. Apple and Ginger Juice
Add this healthy apple and ginger juice recipe to your daily food regimen. You can prepare this recipe in less than an hour with just four basic ingredients easily available in your kitchen.
4. Anise tea
You can enjoy this recipe of anise tea hot or cold, even if you can consume it over ice. You can prepare this recipe in less than an hour with just five basic ingredients easily available in your home.
5. Spiced Chamomile Hot Toddy
This spiced chamomile hot toddy recipe is a perfect blend of the citrusy flavor of lemon, the spicy flavor of anise, the strong flavor of cinnamon stick, and the sweetness of the honey. You can prepare this delicious drink in a matter of just 20 minutes.
Top Recipes To Make With Licorice
1. Chocolate Licorice Loaf Cake With Choc-licorice Crumb And Caramel
Looking for a mouth-watering recipe to enjoy with your family and friends? Then try this delicious chocolate licorice loaf cake recipe with a choc-licorice crumb and caramel recipe that can be prepared in 90 minutes.
2. Licorice Caramels
Make this delicious recipe for licorice caramels for your kids in just half an hour. This recipe is a sweet treat for your children and best for the holiday season.
3. French Licorice Macarons
If you are a fan of macarons, then try this scrumptious and beautiful recipe for French licorice macarons. You can prepare this treat in just 70 minutes. You can prepare this dish to treat your friends and family this festive season.
4. Thermomix Licorice Ice Cream
If you admire ice cream, try this thermomix licorice ice cream. The most distinct feature of this ice cream is that it is gray, which is quite attractive. You can prepare this ice cream from your home even in less than an hour and with few ingredients.
5. Licorice Allsorts Slice
This recipe of licorice allsorts slice is surely a new addition to your favorite food list. You can prepare this recipe with just 5 ingredients and even less than an hour.
Anise vs. Licorice | Which One Is Healthier?
Both anise and licorice have been used for ages because of their medicinal properties. The studies show that compounds of the anise fruit are enriched in antimicrobial, antioxidant, and gastric protective effects.
Even in the early period, anise has been widely used in the Middle East for its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and gastric protective effects. On the other hand, licorice has been used for thousands of years in Western and Eastern medicine for gastric protection, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, and respiratory protecting effects.
But there are many side effects of consuming high doses of the anise star. That is why licorice is a bit healthier than anise.
Anise vs. Licorice | Which One Is Tastier?
When it comes to taste, both the anise and the licorice have the same flavor and smell. Although they have similar flavors, they are quite different in taste.
The taste of anise can be described as a spicy one with undertones of sweetness. On the other side, you will find the taste of licorice can be sour, bitter, and even salty.
Thus, if you are a lover of spicy food, go for the anise and if you want to add a savory touch to the dishes, then go for the licorice.
Anise vs. Licorice | Which One Is Versatile?
Anise has a beautiful fragrance that is added to the recipe to enhance the sweet and spicy flavors. In addition to this, anise is also best used in perfumes, bathing products, and scented candles.
On the other hand, the root of the licorice has a sweet taste and can be utilized in making candies, desserts, and other sweet recipes and drinks. It is also used in fragrances.
Although they are both quite versatile, licorice has a strong flavor compared to anise, and thus, it is a very common choice to be added to different dishes.
Anise vs. Licorice | Which One Is Better?
Although both anise and licorice have similar flavors and sweet tastes and have so many medicinal properties, licorice is a bit more easily available.
It is much more versatile as compared to anise. Thus, licorice is much better than anise.
Can we substitute anise for licorice?
Yes, you can surely replace anise with licorice. They both share an identical taste and have some similar medicinal properties.
Both anise and licorice have the same sweet taste, thus, are ideal for replacing each other.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the uses of the anise?
The anise is used in recipes and drinks with savory and sweet flavors. Anise has a beautiful fragrance that is added to the recipe to enhance the sweet and spicy flavors. In addition to this, anise is also best used in perfumes, bathing products, and scented candles.
What are the medicinal uses of licorice?
Licorice has been used for thousands of years in Western and Eastern medicine for gastric protection, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, and respiratory protecting effects.
What is the taste of the anise?
The taste of anise can be described as a spicy one with undertones of sweetness.
Can we substitute anise for licorice?
Yes, you can surely replace anise with licorice. They both share an identical taste and have some similar medicinal properties. Both anise and licorice have the same sweet taste, thus, are ideal for replacing each other.
What are the uses of licorice?
Glycyrrhiza glabra is the scientific name of the licorice, a perennial pea herb, quite popular for flavoring and great for confection and folk medicine.
Is licorice similar to anise?
Licorice and anise have identical tastes and fragrances. But they both are quite different from each other. They both have their individual uses and properties.
Licorice is a root related to the licorice plant, whereas anise is a fruit from the anise herb plant. Thus, it is quite evident that anise is not related to licorice.
Conclusion
I hope all your doubts about the anise and licorice are cleared now. If I need to remember something to mention, let me know in the comments. All kinds of opinions are welcomed. I’ll see you another time.
Remember to check our website if you want to learn more recipes and need clarification related to the two food items. Keep discovering new things to read on our website. Thanks for reading, and take care!
