Licorice vs. Aniseed — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 25, 2024
Licorice refers to both the plant Glycyrrhiza glabra and its root used as a flavoring, often sweet and intense, while aniseed comes from the Pimpinella anisum plant and has a similar but distinct sweet and spicy flavor.
Difference Between Licorice and Aniseed
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Licorice is derived from the root of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant and is notable for its sweet, slightly bitter flavor which is used in candies, beverages, and some medicines. The root contains glycyrrhizin, which is considerably sweeter than sugar. In contrast, aniseed, or anise, comes from the seeds of the Pimpinella anisum plant and has a flavor often likened to licorice but with a notable spiciness and a hint of sweetness, popular in baking, liquor, and cooking.
In terms of cultivation, licorice plants thrive in sub-tropical and warm environments and are harvested for their long roots. Aniseed plants, being herbaceous annuals, require temperate climates for their seeds to be cultivated annually. The seeds are small, ridged, and typically used whole or ground in various culinary dishes.
While both licorice and aniseed share common uses in flavoring various food products, their chemical compounds differ significantly. Licorice contains glycyrrhizin, which impacts health differently by potentially affecting blood pressure and potassium levels when consumed in large amounts. Aniseed’s primary component is anethole, which also flavors the unrelated fennel and star anise, and is known for its mild estrogenic effects.
In culinary applications, licorice is often found in the form of black licorice candy, licorice tea, or as a flavoring agent in tobacco and alcohol. Aniseed is frequently used in baking breads, cakes, and cookies, and in producing alcoholic beverages like ouzo, sambuca, and absinthe where its clear flavor can shine.
Licorice has a strong foothold in European confectioneries and traditional medicine, particularly in the Nordic countries and Italy. Aniseed plays a significant role in Mediterranean cuisine and is also integral to traditional medicines across Europe and Asia, used for its purported digestive and anti-flatulent properties.
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Comparison Chart
Plant Origin
Glycyrrhiza glabra
Pimpinella anisum
Flavor Profile
Sweet, slightly bitter
Sweet, spicy
Main Compounds
Glycyrrhizin
Anethole
Common Uses
Candies, beverages, medicinal products
Baking, liquors, medicinal uses
Health Effects
Affects blood pressure and potassium levels
Mild estrogenic effects, digestive aid
Compare with Definitions
Licorice
The root of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant used for flavoring due to its sweet taste.
He enjoyed the strong, distinctive flavor of licorice in his tea.
Aniseed
Included in confectioneries and candies, especially in licorice-flavored products.
The confectionery used aniseed to mimic a licorice-like flavor in their sweets.
Licorice
Utilized in smoking mixtures and some liquors.
Some specialty tobacco blends include licorice for a smooth, sweet flavor.
Aniseed
Employed in traditional remedies for digestive health.
Aniseed tea is consumed after meals to aid digestion and reduce bloating.
Licorice
Used in candies and sweets, recognizable by its deep, black color.
The licorice candies were a favorite treat at the cinema.
Aniseed
Integral to the flavor profile of certain spirits and liquors.
Aniseed is a key ingredient in the traditional recipe for absinthe.
Licorice
Employed medicinally to soothe gastrointestinal issues.
Licorice root is often prescribed in herbal medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Aniseed
Seeds of the Pimpinella anisum plant, used for their sweet, spicy flavor.
She sprinkled ground aniseed on her cookie dough for extra flavor.
Licorice
Incorporated in beverages, often in herbal teas or certain beers.
Licorice root added a sweet undertone to the herbal blend.
Aniseed
Commonly used in baking and cooking for its aromatic qualities.
Aniseed bread is popular in Mediterranean cuisines.
Licorice
A Mediterranean perennial plant (Glycyrrhiza glabra) of the pea family, having blue flowers, pinnately compound leaves, and a sweet, distinctively flavored root.
Aniseed
The seed of the anise, used in cooking and herbal medicine
Almond cakes which were sweetened with aniseed
Aniseed balls
Licorice
The root of this plant, used as a flavoring in candy, liqueurs, tobacco, and medicines.
Aniseed
See anise.
Licorice
Any of various similar plants.
Aniseed
The seed-like fruit of the anise, used in baking and in the flavouring of liqueurs such as ouzo.
Licorice
A confection made from or flavored with the licorice root.
Aniseed
The seed of the anise; also, a cordial prepared from it.
Licorice
A chewy confection made from sugar and corn syrup with the addition of various flavorings, often manufactured in long flexible tubes.
Aniseed
Liquorice-flavored seeds or oil used in cookies or cakes or pickles
Licorice
(countable) The plant Glycyrrhiza glabra, or sometimes in North America, the related American Licorice plant Glycyrrhiza lepidota.
Licorice
(uncountable) A type of candy made from that plant's dried root or its extract.
Licorice
A black colour, named after the licorice.
Licorice
A flavouring agent made from dried root portions of the aforementioned plant.
Licorice
A plant of the genus Glycyrrhiza (Glycyrrhiza glabra), the root of which abounds with a sweet juice, and is much used in demulcent compositions.
Licorice
The inspissated juice of licorice root, used as a confection and for medicinal purposes.
Licorice
Deep-rooted coarse-textured plant native to the Mediterranean region having blue flowers and pinnately compound leaves; widely cultivated in Europe for its long thick sweet roots
Licorice
A black candy flavored with the dried root of the licorice plant
Common Curiosities
What are the primary health impacts of consuming licorice?
Consuming large amounts of licorice can lead to high blood pressure and low potassium levels due to the glycyrrhizin content.
Why might someone choose aniseed over licorice in medicinal uses?
Aniseed is preferred for its digestive benefits and is less likely to cause adverse health effects compared to licorice.
What alcoholic beverages use aniseed?
Aniseed flavors several spirits, including ouzo, sambuca, and absinthe.
How are the flavors of licorice and aniseed different?
Licorice is primarily sweet and slightly bitter, while aniseed adds a distinct spiciness to its sweetness.
How should licorice be used in cooking to avoid health risks?
Licorice should be used sparingly, especially by those with hypertension or heart disease, due to its potent effects on potassium and blood pressure.
What is the cultural significance of aniseed in Mediterranean cuisine?
Aniseed is highly valued in Mediterranean cuisine for its aromatic flavor in baked goods and its role in traditional digestive aids.
What are common food products that contain licorice?
Licorice is commonly found in black licorice candy, some types of tea, and certain alcoholic beverages.
Are there any risks associated with consuming aniseed?
Aniseed is generally safe in culinary amounts, though its anethole content may mimic estrogen, which could be a concern in large medicinal doses.
Can aniseed and licorice be used interchangeably in cooking?
While they have similar flavors, their distinct notes mean they are not always interchangeable; aniseed is spicier, and licorice is sweeter and more bitter.
What should consumers know about the different uses of licorice and aniseed in products?
Consumers should be aware of the flavor profiles and health impacts of each, especially in choosing products for culinary or medicinal purposes.
What are the environmental requirements for growing licorice and aniseed?
Licorice requires sub-tropical to warm climates for root development, while aniseed grows best in temperate regions for annual seed production.
How does aniseed influence the flavor of alcoholic beverages?
Aniseed imparts a clear, sweet-spicy flavor profile, which is crucial in several traditional spirits.
What are some alternative natural sweeteners to licorice?
Stevia and monk fruit are good alternatives for those looking to avoid the health risks associated with licorice.
Can both licorice and aniseed be found in herbal teas?
Yes, both are used in herbal teas; licorice for sweetness and gastrointestinal benefits, and aniseed for its aromatic flavor and digestive properties.
What role does licorice play in traditional medicine?
In traditional medicine, licorice is used for its anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective properties.
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Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
