Topic: Aniseed

[JerryM]

finally got some aniseed or anise seed on the labling.

when i was trying to buy i got pointed in the direction of fennel and star anise - both are very different to aniseed.

i very much like the taste of the aniseed - it seems sweeter i think than fennel.

i intend using in bhajis (IG bhajis post).

i also intend to try out switching it in place of fennel as whole spices when making base.

[Malc.]

Its definitely got a better Aniseed flavour than Fennel which I now find is a slightly coarser flavour. Also the Aniseed seems to give a little bit of heat in comparison to Fennel.

I have used it in a variety of dishes that I would normally use fennel. It definitely makes a difference to the Bhaji.

Glad you managed to get some Jerry, was it expensive?

[JerryM]

was it expensive?

it does niggle me that i could not buy in big bags ie 300g like the fennel (suggests BIR don't use in large amounts).

it was ?1.39 for 100g so a tad expensive but u don't need a lot so i'm currently well pleased with it. as u say taste is real good.

[Malc.]

It must be available commercially in larger quantities. I have seen it on the Spices of India site in packet form. When I visited the Raj in Brighton I had two options the packet found on the aforementioned site and a jar that I bought. Looking at the two the jar was of better quality, not light bleached and far less 'husk' if that is what it is. The price difference was considerable almost twice the price though.

I do know that IG use this seed alot and I have seen it sitting in there everyday spice bins which hold about a litre. I might ask if they can get some in for me, but as you say, it goes along way.

[JerryM]

Am sure u're right - regional variation does play a part. i've only looked in bolton which i don't feel is as much a "bangladeshi" area as the midlands for example.

i presume IG use it along the lines of Black Cumin ie not in spice mix but for specific dishes and marinades.

[CurryOnRegardless]

Bloody 'ell, JerryM, don't mention Bangladesh in the likes of Bolton you'll probably start a riot or maybe even another war, it's predominately Pakistani in this neck of the woods, makes a big difference!

Regards
CoR

[JerryM]

CoR,

u're clearly well up on the local scene. i've not actually eaten curry in bolton and was not sure that my nose was giving off the right signals.