10 Herbs That Taste Like Licorice (And How to Use Them in Your Kitchen)

If you’ve ever bitten into a piece of licorice candy and thought, "I love this flavor, but where else can I find it?", you're not alone. Many herbs share that distinctively sweet, earthy, and slightly anise-like taste profile. But which one is right for your next recipe? In this article, we’ll uncover 10 herbs that taste like licorice, explain how to use them in cooking, and even give you some quirky flavor facts along the way.

Table of Contents

• Why Do Some Herbs Taste Like Licorice?
• The Top 10 Herbs With a Licorice Flavor
• Flavor Comparison Chart
• Pro Tips for Cooking With Licorice-Flavored Herbs
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Final Thoughts

Why Do Some Herbs Taste Like Licorice?

The licorice-like flavor in many herbs comes from compounds such as anethole or licorice root extract (glycyrrhizin). These natural chemicals mimic the sweet, warm, and slightly medicinal notes associated with black licorice candy. While they may sound scientific, these compounds are responsible for the magic behind your favorite herbal infusions and spice blends.

Understanding which herbs carry this flavor can help you elevate dishes without reaching for processed candies. Let’s dive into the top 10!

The Top 10 Herbs That Taste Like Licorice

1. Fennel – The most obvious contender, fennel seeds have a strong anise/licorice flavor and are used in Mediterranean and Indian cuisines.
2. Star Anise – A star-shaped pod with a powerful licorice flavor. Common in Chinese five-spice and mulled drinks.
3. Anise Seed – Often confused with fennel, anise has a more concentrated licorice flavor and is popular in baked goods.
4. Tarragon – French tarragon has a mild licorice note and is essential in classic French sauces like béarnaise.
5. Caraway – Found in rye bread and certain cheeses, caraway has a nutty, peppery licorice undertone.
6. Licorice Root – The actual plant from which licorice candy is made. It's often used in herbal teas and remedies.
7. Dill – While milder, dill shares a similar aroma to fennel and contributes a subtle licorice-like nuance.
8. Chervil – Known as "French parsley," chervil offers a delicate licorice hint and is a staple in fines herbes.
9. Celery Seed – Has a faint licorice edge and is commonly found in pickling spices and Old Bay seasoning.
10. Fenugreek – Though less direct, fenugreek adds a sweet, maple-like flavor with hints of licorice when used sparingly.

Flavor Comparison Table

Herb	Flavor Profile	Best For	Common Cuisines
Fennel	Sweet, aromatic, bold licorice	Vegetable roasts, Italian sausages, teas	Mediterranean, Indian
Star Anise	Strong, spicy, licorice with a hint of pepper	Stews, broths, hot drinks	Chinese, Vietnamese
Anise Seed	Intense licorice, almost candy-like	Baked goods, liqueurs	Mexican, Middle Eastern
Tarragon	Mild, grassy, with a licorice finish	Sauces, egg dishes, vinaigrettes	French
Caraway	Nutty, peppery, with licorice warmth	Rye breads, cheeses, stews	German, Eastern European
Licorice Root	Very sweet, intensely licorice	Teas, candies, desserts	Global herbal remedies
Dill	Grassy, fresh, light licorice	Pickles, fish, dips	Scandinavian, Middle Eastern
Chervil	Delicate, parsley-like with licorice notes	Eggs, butter sauces, salads	French
Celery Seed	Salty, bitter, licorice-adjacent	Pickling, soups, Bloody Marys	American, Caribbean
Fenugreek	Sweet, nutty, slight licorice undertone	Curries, spice blends	Indian, Middle Eastern

Pro Tips for Cooking With Licorice-Flavored Herbs

Using licorice-tasting herbs can add complexity to your dishes, but it’s easy to overdo it. Here are some practical pro tips to keep your meals flavorful but balanced:

• Don’t Overheat Star Anise: Add it toward the end of cooking to preserve its flavor.
• Toast Fennel Seeds: Toasting enhances their aroma. Just be careful not to burn them.
• Use Fresh Tarragon: Dried tarragon loses much of its licorice flavor. Stick to fresh leaves if possible.
• Pair Wisely: Licorice-flavored herbs pair best with citrus, tomatoes, pork, and creamy sauces.
• Start Small: Especially with potent ones like anise and licorice root. You can always add more later.
• Balance Bitterness: Some herbs like fenugreek can turn bitter if used too much. Combine with honey or citrus to counteract it.
• Infuse Oils or Vinegars: Great way to extract licorice flavor subtly—try with fennel or dill.
• Use in Desserts: Yes, licorice herbs work in sweets! Think cookies with anise, or licorice root tea with chocolate.
• Experiment Across Cuisines: Try using tarragon in Mexican dishes or caraway in Asian stir-fries—you might be surprised!
• Store Properly: Keep whole seeds in airtight containers away from heat and light. Fresh herbs should be refrigerated and used within a week.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a difference between anise and fennel?

Yes! Though both taste like licorice, they’re different plants. Fennel has a milder, sweeter flavor and is often used in savory dishes. Anise is more intense and commonly found in desserts and liqueurs.

Can I substitute tarragon for anise?

In a pinch, yes—but expect a milder, more herbaceous flavor. They aren't perfect substitutes, but both will bring a touch of licorice to your dish.

Is licorice root safe to eat?

Short answer: Yes. Long answer: In moderation. Excessive consumption of licorice root (especially glycyrrhizin) can lead to elevated blood pressure and potassium loss. Always consult your doctor if using medicinally.

Which licorice-tasting herb is best for cocktails?

Star anise and fennel are cocktail favorites. Try muddling a tiny bit into a gin-based drink or steeping in homemade syrups for a twist.

Do all licorice-tasting herbs come from the same family?

Nope! They come from various plant families. Fennel, anise, and dill belong to the Apiaceae (carrot) family, while licorice root is in the Fabaceae (legume) family. Nature loves to play tricks!

Final Thoughts

So there you have it — the lowdown on what herb tastes like licorice and how to put those flavors to delicious use in your kitchen. Whether you're grilling fennel bulbs, brewing a licorice-root tea, or sprinkling star anise into a slow-cooked stew, you’re now equipped with the knowledge to experiment boldly yet wisely.

Remember, flavor is all about balance. Licorice-tasting herbs can be magical in the right doses and utterly overwhelming in excess. So start small, taste as you go, and enjoy the journey through this uniquely aromatic flavor family.

Now go ahead — unlock the power of licorice flavors and impress your taste buds (and dinner guests)! 🌿✨