Anise, or aniseed, (pimpinella anisum) is a flowering plant native to the Eastern Mediterranean region which is cultivated primarily for its aromatic seeds which, in Lesvos, are used in the distillation process for the production of ouzo. The region around the village of Lisvori is particularly well-known for its production of high quality aniseed. The main aromatic constituent of the seed is anethole which, being soluble in alcohol but insoluble in water, gives rise to the familiar ouzo effect.
Anise (γλυκάνισος) is also used to make a tea which is considered to be beneficial for intestinal disorders, especially in young children.
