Anise provides the classic sweet, licorice flavor found in Italian and Scandinavian baked goods as well as Asian sauces and marinades. Although star anise and anise seeds are botanically unrelated, they have nearly identical flavors.
Anise seed powder has a sweet, grassy flavor, reminiscent of licorice. It’s used in baking in Italy and Germany, especially in biscotti and pizelles, as well as in sausage and tomato sauce recipes.