Anise or aniseed (Pimpinella anisum) is a vegetable as well as an herb, and comes from the same family, Apiaceae, as fennel. Anise's flavor also resembles that of fennel but is somewhat sweeter. Anise is distinguished by its strong licorice-like flavor and aroma. Anise is star-shaped, and each point has a single grain. The plant is native to China, and the seeds have been used for many centuries in Asian cooking. Anise is used in flavouring alcohols and liquors. It is often used to flavour toothpaste, along with several other mouth-wash and breath-freshening products. It is used in confectioneries, chewing gum, perfumery, curries, and for pickling. Anise is used whole or crushed in cookies, cakes, breads, cheese, pickles, stews, fish and shellfish dishes.