# Licorice, fennel: is this a big joke someone is playing on me? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [May 23, 2010, 1:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/licorice-fennel-is-this-a-big-joke-someone-is-playing-on-me/540419 "2010-05-23T01:36:55Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Alessan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alessan/32/465_2.png) [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2010, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/licorice-fennel-is-this-a-big-joke-someone-is-playing-on-me/540419/61 "2010-05-23T21:47:18Z")
Well, I just poured myself a glass of arak and… yes, still good. ---
**Author:** ![aruvqan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aruvqan/32/2891_2.png) [@aruvqan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aruvqan)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2010, 10:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/licorice-fennel-is-this-a-big-joke-someone-is-playing-on-me/540419/62 "2010-05-23T22:13:46Z")
> [@LouiseE](#): > > Fennel/anise/licorice lover here. > > FWIW, in my family we make a Christmas cookie called Springerle. For those without German heritage, it is anise flavored. It’s pretty clearly divided in the family who likes them and who doesn’t. Dad and I love them, stepmother who married in can’t stand them. Uncle who married in will eat as many Springerle as Grandma sets out. Except for me, who makes orange zest or vanilla or cinnamon springerles =) I just will not voluntarily eat anise/licorice =) ---
**Author:** ![Ruken](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/f475e1/32.png) [@Ruken](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ruken)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2010, 10:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/licorice-fennel-is-this-a-big-joke-someone-is-playing-on-me/540419/63 "2010-05-23T22:30:32Z")
> [@WhyNot](#): > > Wonder if our kids will similarly detest Wild Cherry. That would be me. I love cherries, but I find cherry flavored candy to be disgusting. Grape too. I’m pretty sure both of these are due to flavored liquid cold medicine from my childhood. From casual conversation over the years I know I’m not the only one, but it’s hardly the default feeling about these flavors. I like licorice, although it’s not my first choice for an alcoholic drink. I didn’t know that licorice-flavored medicine was common. I know that many non-USers hate root beer due to similar flavoring used in medicine. ---
**Author:** ![NDP](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ndp/32/55_2.png) [@NDP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NDP)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2010, 11:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/licorice-fennel-is-this-a-big-joke-someone-is-playing-on-me/540419/64 "2010-05-23T23:52:15Z")
> [@Tethered\_Kite](#): > > I’ve never cared for licorice and I do remember when it was “real” licorice. But if you enjoy Italian sausage, and I do, you are probably enjoying the taste of fennel seeds. Sometimes you can taste licorice in foods that have no relation to fennel seeds. A few years back when I was on the Oregon Coast, I ate some steamed Yaquina Bay Oysters that had a distinct licorice taste to them. (No, they weren’t spoiled and were actually quite good.) > [@Tethered\_Kite](#): > > As far as universally bad tastes or smells I would imagine that the senses are subjective. Horse poopy smells pretty good to me. (Must be a pony in there somewhere!) That might be because it’s mostly made up of oats that have passed through the horse’s digestive system thereby making you associate the smell with things like oatmeal and oatmeal cookies. > [@Tethered\_Kite](#): > > Do you know that Hershey used sour milk in its chocolate products? I read that somewhere and since have not enjoyed Hershey’s milk chocolate. I did not know that. That explains why Hershey Bars and Kisses always have that cheesy taste to them. As for cilantro, I don’t really have any opinion on it. Unless I’m eating a big bowl of it, it’s something that doesn’t register with me taste-wise. Although I sometimes seem to have digestive trouble with items that have cilantro in them. ---
**Author:** ![raindrop](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/74df32/32.png) [@raindrop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/raindrop)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2010, 12:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/licorice-fennel-is-this-a-big-joke-someone-is-playing-on-me/540419/65 "2010-05-24T00:05:41Z")
> [@WhyNot](#): > > …I love fennel bulbs (never seen the root) … I’m only vaguely familiar with fennel, but for most plants that have bulbs, (e.g. onion, garlic, beet), the bulb _is_ the root. However kohlrabi is the exception; its fat round bulb is actually a stem. ---
**Author:** ![WhyNot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c77e96/32.png) [@WhyNot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WhyNot)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2010, 12:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/licorice-fennel-is-this-a-big-joke-someone-is-playing-on-me/540419/66 "2010-05-24T00:30:19Z")
> [@raindrop](#): > > I’m only vaguely familiar with fennel, but for most plants that have bulbs, (e.g. onion, garlic, beet), the bulb _is_ the root. However kohlrabi is the exception; its fat round bulb is actually a stem. As am I only passingly familiar, but I think the[fennel bulb](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2255/2347925107_fb28c675d9.jpg) is the wide, overlapping part of the [stems of the leaves](http://www.cherrygal.com/herbfennelbulbheirloomseeds2010-pi-9916.html). ---
**Author:** ![raindrop](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/74df32/32.png) [@raindrop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/raindrop)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2010, 12:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/licorice-fennel-is-this-a-big-joke-someone-is-playing-on-me/540419/67 "2010-05-24T00:55:30Z")
Thanks, **WhyNot** , I stand corrected. For some reason, I always thought the “bulb” of fennel grew at least partially underground, something like an onion. ---
**Author:** ![Maeglin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/8baadc/32.png) [@Maeglin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maeglin)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2010, 1:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/licorice-fennel-is-this-a-big-joke-someone-is-playing-on-me/540419/68 "2010-05-24T01:19:10Z")
I adore anise, licorice, and fennel. They are bar none among my favorite flavors. I used to be a redoubtable ouzo/arak drinker until I discovered quality absinthe. I have since switched and never looked back. The best thing about Easter is that it is easy to find bags of black jelly beans. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2010, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/licorice-fennel-is-this-a-big-joke-someone-is-playing-on-me/540419/69 "2010-05-24T17:42:42Z")
Just because bulbs grow underground doesn’t mean that they’re roots. On an onion, for instance, the hairs sticking out the bottom end are the true roots; the onion itself is a modified stem. ---
**Author:** ![Autolycus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/22d042/32.png) [@Autolycus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Autolycus)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2010, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/licorice-fennel-is-this-a-big-joke-someone-is-playing-on-me/540419/70 "2010-05-24T21:25:32Z")
I like the Turkish drink Raki, made from anise. It’s like ouzo but maybe even stronger. It’s clear but turns cloudy when mixed with water. ---
**Author:** ![Biffy\_the\_Elephant\_Shrew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e47c2d/32.png) [@Biffy\_the\_Elephant\_Shrew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biffy_the_Elephant_Shrew)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2010, 9:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/licorice-fennel-is-this-a-big-joke-someone-is-playing-on-me/540419/71 "2010-05-24T21:49:17Z")
I hate licorice candy and tend to dislike anything that tastes overtly like anise. However, anise can be a nice addition in Italian dishes **if** it’s there in only minute amounts, overpowered by the garlic and oregano and basil. The anise should be subliminal. I encourage the growth of fennel as a weed, however, because it is the larval food source of the beautiful [anise swallowtail](http://www.gardenswithwings.com/uploads/images/db/answUOde.jpg) butterfly. (Here are the [caterpillars](http://s3.amazonaws.com/picable/2007/07/12/41563_Anise-Swallowtail-Caterpillars_400.jpg) munching away at the stuff.) ---
**Author:** ![jsc1953](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/5daacb/32.png) [@jsc1953](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jsc1953)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2010, 11:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/licorice-fennel-is-this-a-big-joke-someone-is-playing-on-me/540419/72 "2010-05-24T23:10:07Z")
> [@thelurkinghorror](#): > > I hate when someone is asked if they like licorice, and they say “I hate black licorice, I love red licorice.” Black licorice is redundant; it should quite frankly be the default. The other one gets its name only because it’s shaped similarly.. I was exchanging emails with an internet dating possibility…we were talking various pop culture likes & dislikes, and had this exchange: Her: Red Vines or Twizzlers? Me: I actually prefer my licorice to be licorice-flavored. You know, black. Her: Freak. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2010, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/licorice-fennel-is-this-a-big-joke-someone-is-playing-on-me/540419/73 "2010-05-24T23:18:04Z")
> [@Autolycus](#): > > I like the Turkish drink Raki, made from anise. It’s like ouzo but maybe even stronger. It’s clear but turns cloudy when mixed with water. As do ouzo, pastis, absinthe, and other distilled drinks based on anise. This is called “louching” and occurs because the essential oil of aniseed - anethole - is alcohol soluble but not water soluble and precipitates out when you add enough water to it. ---
**Author:** ![Jet\_Jaguar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jet_jaguar/32/3562_2.png) [@Jet\_Jaguar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jet_Jaguar)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2010, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/licorice-fennel-is-this-a-big-joke-someone-is-playing-on-me/540419/74 "2010-05-24T23:36:45Z")
I’m one of the genetic freaks that think cilantro tastes like soap. That’s exactly what it tastes like to me, liquid dish soap. To get the same effect, next time a recipe calls for cilantro, substitute 1/4 cup of Dawn instead. It’s not a matter of getting used to it, either. My MIL has been staying with us since December, and when she cooks, she puts lots of cilantro in everything. I force myself to choke it down (she’s very sensitive and takes any critique as a personal attack), and it’s still as disgusting to me as it’s ever been. I wish someone could come up with a reasonable substitute, but apparently it’s so wonderful and unique that it can’t be substituted. Until then, I just leave it out, or not make anything that needs it. ---
**Author:** ![Rahne\_McCloud](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/76d3ee/32.png) [@Rahne\_McCloud](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rahne_McCloud)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2010, 7:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/licorice-fennel-is-this-a-big-joke-someone-is-playing-on-me/540419/75 "2010-05-25T07:06:45Z")
I love licorice, anise, and fennel and all things that taste like them exept medicines. My mom and other family members love it, plus my son and spouse. You either like it or you don’t. It can be an aquired taste. I offered a friend of mine some licorice Altoids, she wasn’t sure about whether she was going to like it, I was surprised when she asked me for a couple more for later. Now when ever I buy them for myself I have to buy a tin for her. ---
**Author:** ![Panurge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/fbc32d/32.png) [@Panurge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Panurge)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2010, 12:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/licorice-fennel-is-this-a-big-joke-someone-is-playing-on-me/540419/76 "2010-05-25T12:01:03Z")
> [@astro](#): > > [All kinds of licorice](https://www.licoriceinternational.com/licorice/pc/viewContent.asp?idpage=44) Hmm. A site like that and it doesn’t have the kings of liqorice: [Super Piratos](http://www.marinamarket.com/istar.asp?a=6&id=213790) and [Tyrkisk Peber](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrkisk_Peber). Some of the strongest out there - I love them! ---
**Author:** ![Rushgeekgirl](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rushgeekgirl/32/3715_2.png) [@Rushgeekgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rushgeekgirl)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2010, 12:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/licorice-fennel-is-this-a-big-joke-someone-is-playing-on-me/540419/77 "2010-05-26T00:28:29Z")
> [@EvilTOJ](#): > > Licorice is disgusting, along with fennel, anise, BlackJack gum, black jelly beans, Red Vines and Black Vines, NyQuil (red flavor for me kthx) Jagermeister and absinthe. I’ll lump cilantro in there too because even trace amounts makes the entire dish taste like it. I mean just LOOK at the word anise! It’s basically the same word as anus, which I don’t want in my salads. We need to have dinner together. Another I don’t like? Sage. ---
**Author:** ![Manduck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/manduck/32/256_2.png) [@Manduck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Manduck)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2010, 1:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/licorice-fennel-is-this-a-big-joke-someone-is-playing-on-me/540419/78 "2010-05-26T01:16:55Z")
> [@eleanorigby](#): > > I don’t like fennel, anise or licorice, but I love sambuca. > > I know, it doesn’t make any sense to me, either. It makes perfect sense to me (sambuca has alcohol :)) ---
**Author:** ![aruvqan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aruvqan/32/2891_2.png) [@aruvqan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aruvqan)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2010, 2:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/licorice-fennel-is-this-a-big-joke-someone-is-playing-on-me/540419/79 "2010-05-26T02:18:32Z")
> [@Rushgeekgirl](#): > > We need to have dinner together. > > Another I don’t like? Sage. Hm, I dont like sage either. How are you with dill weed? ---
**Author:** ![GargoyleWB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gargoylewb/32/199_2.png) [@GargoyleWB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GargoyleWB)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2010, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/licorice-fennel-is-this-a-big-joke-someone-is-playing-on-me/540419/80 "2010-05-26T16:02:18Z")
> [@thelurkinghorror](#): > > What about absinthe, anisette, ouzo, rakı, or arak? All nasty, everything fennel/anise/licorice derived is just nasty. Many otherwise yummy pizzas and sausages have been ruined by overuse of this crap. Do people drink Nyquil for pleasure? Cilantro is wonderful, though, if any genetic researchers here are keeping metrics. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/licorice-fennel-is-this-a-big-joke-someone-is-playing-on-me/540419.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/licorice-fennel-is-this-a-big-joke-someone-is-playing-on-me/540419.md?page=5)