Anise seeds ~ Aphrodisiacs from A to Z

Taken by mica uploaded by Charbelgereige [Public domain],
via Wikimedia Commons

Anise seeds come from the anise plant (bet you didn't see that coming). Similar to fennel seeds, they've long been used in foods, to spice them up, but also medicinally (for example, to ease coughs and gas pains). (And I gotta believe, there ain't nothin' hawt about flatulence.)

Y U SO SEX-AY?
Anise seeds contain the phytoestrogen anethole. Phytoestrogens are plant-derived "dietary estrogens." Essentially, consuming phytoestrogens can cause estrogenic effects in the body. Though both guys and dolls have estrogen in their systems, it's gals who benefit more from a healthy balance of estrogen, which promotes the female reproductive system. It makes us chicks feel good, and when we feel good, we want to get jiggy. (Perhaps I should only speak for myself on that one.)

I understand that anise seeds have a sweet, licorice taste, which rules them out for me (not a fan of licorice), though I could be persuaded to give recipe #3, below, a shot. (Geddit? A shot? Geddit?) Yeah, nevermind.

RECIPES

• Anise Seed Rolls
• Biscochitos (Anise Seed Cookies)
• Spiced Rum Recipe No. 5

Click here to learn more about anise.

Sources

Blogging from A to Z April 2013