Anise (not to be confused with Star Anise) is an annual umbifellerous herb valued for it’s sweet, liquorice-flavoued seeds. It prefers sheltered vegetable garden settings with loamy soil and adequate moisture. in the right conditions, it will self seed prolifically.
Anise has a long history in the Middle East, and was used as trade goods and as part payment of taxes.
in Europe Anise is widely used in cakes and sweetmeats, and as a cordial. It’s also used in the production of liquers.
I’ve grown Anise for many years, usually in pots with roses to attract hoverfly and ladybirds as natural protection against aphids. The plant is quite beautiful.
Slowcooker Pork Shoulder with Anise and Ginger Jam.
3lt slowcooker
2kg rolled pork shoulder (boneless)
Buderim Ginger jam
Brown onion
Anise seeds
Remove the pork shoulder from the fridge and bring to room temperature on the bench. Halve and slice the onions and use them to cover the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the pork shoulder on top, cover with half the jar of ginger jam, and sprinkle anise seeds to taste.
Coarse black pepper may be added to mitigate the sweetness.
Cook on low for 4 hours, turning and basting once. Remove from slow cooker when tender and shred, then thicken the sauce with cornflour. Pour sauce over and serve with steamed veg and rice.
Riverworks - the blog. 