Anise Oil

Anise Oil is an essential oil steam distilled from the seeds (fruits) of Pimpinella anisum, a small annual herb of the carrot family. It has a sweet, warm, liquorice-like aroma and taste, and it is used in confectionery, liqueurs, oral care, pharmaceuticals and fragrance.

Arizone International supplies Anise Oil in food and cosmetic grades for flavour houses, beverage and confectionery makers, oral-care brands and fragrance companies.

About Anise

Anise is native to the eastern Mediterranean and Egypt and has been used since ancient times; the Romans added anise seeds to spiced cakes served after feasts to aid digestion. Today it is grown in Turkey, Egypt, Spain, Syria and other countries. In India, the small anise seed is called vilayati saunf and is sometimes confused with fennel (saunf), which has a similar taste.

Anise flavour is central to many famous drinks around the Mediterranean, such as Greek ouzo, French pastis and anisette, Turkish rakı and Italian sambuca. These drinks turn cloudy when water is added because the anise oil comes out of solution, an effect known as the "ouzo effect".

Anise vs Star Anise

Anise oil and star anise oil taste very similar because both are rich in trans-anethole, but they come from completely different plants. Star anise is the star-shaped fruit of Illicium verum, a Chinese evergreen tree. Star anise oil is cheaper and is often used in place of anise oil. Buyers should specify which oil they need.

Aroma and Composition

• Trans-AnetholeUsually around 80% to 95% of the oil, responsible for the sweet liquorice flavour.
• Estragole (Methyl Chavicol)Present in small amounts.
• Anisaldehyde and Other CompoundsAdding depth.

Anise oil solidifies at cool temperatures, often below about 15°C to 19°C, because anethole crystallises. Gentle warming melts it again without harming quality.

Applications

• Liqueurs and anise-flavoured spirits
• Confectionery, liquorice sweets and chewing gum
• Bakery and flavourings
• Toothpastes, mouthwashes and cough syrups
• Perfumery and soap
• Digestive and aromatherapy blends, used carefully

Safety and Dilution

Anise oil is safe as a flavour in food-grade amounts. Concentrated oil should be diluted for skin use and kept away from children. It is not recommended in aromatherapy during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and people with hormone-sensitive conditions should seek advice, as anethole has mild oestrogen-like activity. Use within IFRA and food flavour regulations.

Quality Parameters

• Botanical source (Pimpinella anisum, not star anise)
• Trans-anethole content by gas chromatography
• Congealing point, specific gravity and refractive index
• Aroma and flavour evaluation
• Food-grade compliance where required

Packaging and Storage

Supplied in aluminium bottles, HDPE containers or drums. Store in a cool place away from light, but not so cold that it solidifies unless warmed before use.

Tips for Buyers and Formulators

Because anise oil crystallises in the cold, keep drums in a room above about 20°C during winter, or warm them gently and mix before use. For clear beverages, pre-dissolve the oil in alcohol or use an emulsion, as it turns drinks cloudy when water is added.

Why Choose Arizone International?

We are an India-based supplier and exporter of essential oils and flavour ingredients. We supply genuine Anise Oil with GC reports and full export documentation.

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