Crossword Genius

Is an alternative English ingredient (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

anise

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'ingredient' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both things that one consumes for nourishment as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'is an alternative english' is the wordplay.
'alternative' indicates an anagram.
'english' becomes 'e' (abbreviation).
'is'+'an'='isan'
'isan' is an anagram of 'anis'.
'anis'+'e'='ANISE'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for anise that I've seen before include "Herb with aromatic seeds" , "Plant giving ouzo flavour" , "Aromatic Mediterranean plant" , "Plant providing flavour similar to liquorice" , "Plant with aromatic seeds" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.
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