Folklore

Appears in
The Secret of Spice: Recipes and ideas to help you live longer, look younger and feel your very best

By Tonia Buxton

Published 2019

  • About

Aniseed is often confused with star anise (Illicium verum). However, though they have a similar name and flavour, the two are not the same species of plant.

It is said that the traditional wedding cake we know and love today originated from the spiced cakes baked by the Romans; these were infused with anise and were served at the close of a marriage feast, in order to reduce flatulence and help digestion.