So, I wanted to share this little project I got into. I was messing around in the kitchen, trying to whip up something different, and I ended up making my own aniseed concentrate.
It all started when I read that anise seeds are great for digestion. I sometimes get a bit of indigestion after a heavy meal, and thought that it could be cool to have a natural remedy on hand. Plus, I love the flavor of anise in baked goods like cookies and cakes, it reminds me of those Italian desserts and even some savory dishes.
Getting Started
- First, I grabbed some anise seeds. I didn’t really have a recipe, so I just eyeballed it. I think I used about a cup or so.
- Then, I had to decide on a solvent. I read somewhere online that the method you use to extract the flavor is pretty important, also the solvent! I just went with some vodka I had in the cabinet. Figured it would do the trick.
The Process
- I toasted the anise seeds in a dry pan for a few minutes. Just until they got fragrant. This step is supposed to bring out the flavor more.
- After that, I poured the toasted seeds into a jar and added the vodka. I made sure the vodka covered the seeds completely.
- Then came the waiting game. I sealed the jar tightly and put it in a cool, dark place. I think I read somewhere to shake it every few days, so I did that too.
- I let it sit for about two weeks. I was so curious to see how it would turn out, so every other day I’d give the jar a sniff. The smell got stronger and stronger, pretty cool.
The Result
After two weeks, I strained the mixture through a coffee filter to get rid of the seeds. What I was left with was this dark, aromatic liquid. That’s the concentrate! I tasted a tiny bit, and wow, it was strong! Definitely anise, but super concentrated. I also read online that the anethole compound in anise is what gives it that flavor, especially in drinks like ouzo and stuff. Now I know!
How I Used It
- I’ve been adding just a drop or two to my water. It makes for a refreshing drink, and seems to help with my digestion, just like what I initially read.
- I also tried adding some to a cake batter. It gave the cake this subtle anise flavor that everyone loved. It was not overpowering since I only added a tiny bit, just enough.
Overall, it was a fun little experiment. I’m no expert, but I’m pretty happy with how my homemade aniseed concentrate turned out. Might try making other concentrates in the future, who knows. It’s pretty awesome what you can do with some simple ingredients and a little bit of time. Maybe I will add it to flavor some alcohol, just like what I read, like those fancy drinks like anisette. But for now, a drop in my water is good enough for me!
