Anise is native to the eastern Mediterranean region and is one of the oldest known spices used for culinary and medicinal purposes. Historically, evidence indicates that this spice was used in Egypt as early as 1500 B.C. Throughout the ages, civilizations used anise for cooking and baking and as a digestive aid. Anise tastes and smells like licorice. Its flavor is the primary reason it’s used in cooking today.