Anise

13 Nov

[Jesus teaching] “’Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier provisions of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others. You blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel!’” Matthew 23:23-24 New American Standard Bible

“’Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith. These ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.’” King James Bible

Anise is sometimes called fennel. It is an annual herb belonging to the parsley family. It is grown chiefly for its seed (the fruit). The aroma and flavour resemble liquorice.

It is native to Egypt and the eastern Mediterranean region. The plant itself grows up to two and a half feet tall and has small yellowish white flowers. It was used in Bible times sprinkled on bread before it was baked to add a unique flavour[1].

Today, aniseed continues to be used to flavour pastries, meat and vegetable dishes. It also makes a soothing herbal tea and has been used medicinally from prehistoric times.[2]

The Israelites would have brought anise seeds with them when they journeyed to the Promised land. The unique and familiar scent and flavour would have been a reminder of their time in Egypt.

Take care with love, especially His, from Darlene, who still prays for you each day.

[2] Britinnaca online (Anise | Description, Plant, Spice, Flavor, & Uses | Britannica )

Darlene Richard

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