In the run-up to Christmas, our kitchens are filled with aromas that evoke memories and create an atmosphere of anticipation for Christmas. Among them, anise has a special place – a spice with an intense aroma and a characteristic shape. It turned out that this spice not only smells beautiful, but also has many health-promoting properties.
Although anise is used in Slovak households mainly before Christmas, it is not only a seasonal addition to holiday pastries. Its use in the kitchen is much wider. It is a spice that deserves attention throughout the year.
A flavoring for cakes as well
In Slovak cuisine, it is mainly used in gingerbread, cakes, liqueurs, marinades and flavored drinks. It is often combined with red cabbage, pumpkin or beetroot and discovers its new faces especially in winter, when it adds flavor to mulled wine and tea.
Anise seeds are rich in many important nutrients such as vitamins (especially vitamin C), minerals (including iron, magnesium, calcium and copper), antioxidants, fiber and protein. They aid digestion, have antibacterial and antifungal effects, help treat respiratory infections, and support heart and blood vessel health by lowering blood pressure.
Anise is also an excellent choice for flavoring fruit compotes, game and pork marinades, as well as jams and marmalades. Its seeds, although hard and intensely flavored, are not intended for direct consumption. When cooking, they are added before heat treatment and used whole to preserve the maximum intensity of the aroma, which quickly evaporates during grinding.
Therefore, it is worth appreciating anise not only as a part of the festive spice, but also as a versatile ingredient that can improve the taste of many dishes throughout the year.
It should be kept in mind that it should be used in moderation and some people need to be extra careful with this spice. Before using it, make sure that you are not allergic to anise and that it does not react negatively with the medications you are taking.
This popular spice is a savior for coughs. It is enough if you soak it for a quarter of an hour
