What is Liquorice Anise Star-anise, and Fennel?

Liquorice Anise Star-Anise and Fennel have similar tastes but all belong to different plant families.

Hindi Names

Liquorice: Mulathi

Anise: Choti saunf

Fennel: Saunf

Star-anise: Chakra phool

Anise Star-Anise and Fennel contain a chemical 'Anethole', that mimics the sweet flavor of Liquorice. The active chemical in Liquorice is glycyrrhizin making it an excellent sweetener. A similar plant with a similar taste called Licorice is grown in United States.

Liquorice is harvested for its roots and primarily used to make chewing tobacco products. In Hindi, it is called Mulathi. Ground Mulathi is added to Paan and chewed for its sweetness.

Anise is harvested for its seeds. The seeds are delicate, about the size of cumin seeds. In India, Anise is used as mouth freshener, make candy, and in Benaras Paan.

In United States 'Licorice candy' is made with Anise and NOT from Liquorice root. In Hindi, Anis is called Choti Saunf, Patli Saunf, or Vilaiti Saunf.

Fennel is harvested for its seeds. The entire plant is edible. In North India, Fennel is normally used as a pickling spice. In Italy, Fennel is normally used to make sausage. During Akbar period Fennel Greens were combined with other Greens such as Mustard greens to make flavorful Saag. In Hindi, Fennel is called 'Moti Saunf'.

Star Anise is obtained as seeds from a star-shaped fruit. It closely resembles Anise. Star-anise and Anise are used interchangeably in Kashmir Garam Masala. Star-Anise in Hindi is called Chakra-phool.