ANISE SEED, spice like no other...

Popularly known as Osu kon in Ga and Nkitinkiti in Twi, anise seeds are one of the most popular spices in Ghana. Anise seed hails from the same family as carrots, celery and parsley. Although it is usually mistaken for star anise, they originate from very different worlds. They have similar flavour profiles (thanks to the essential oil anethole) but anise seed is the sweeter of the two.

Nutritional Profile

Anise seeds are good source of many essential B-complex vitamins as well as minerals like calcium, copper, potassium, iron, manganese, magnesium, and zinc. They also contain antioxidants.

Physician's Friend

Anise seeds have so many health benefits that they seem too good to be true. They can be brewed and drank to:

• control blood pressure
• ease hormonal problems in females
• promote healthy hair and skin
• improve digestion, reduce nausea
• alleviate cramps
• relieve cough
• treat depression
• relieve bloating, constipation and gas

Use in the Ghanaian kitchen

Its distinct, licorice-like taste is the mouth-watering twist desserts and drinks need.

It is used in many local Ghanaian spice blends to add flavour to soups and stews.

Find out more here:

Kadan, S., Rayan, M., & Rayan, A. (2013). Anticancer activity of anise (Pimpinella anisum L.) seed extract. The Open Nutraceuticals Journal, 6(1).

Sun, W., Shahrajabian, M. H., & Cheng, Q. (2019). Anise (Pimpinella anisum L.), a dominant spice and traditional medicinal herb for both food and medicinal purposes. Cogent Biology, 5(1), 1673688.

https://yen.com.gh/112963-30-common-spices-in-ghana-local-names-uses.html