Is an alternative to eastern flavouring (5)
I believe the answer is:
anise
'flavouring' 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 to eastern' is the wordplay.
'alternative' is an anagram indicator.
'to eastern' becomes 'e' ().
'is'+'an'='isan'
'isan' with letters rearranged gives 'anis'.
'anis'+'e'='ANISE'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for anise that I've seen before include "Plant providing flavour similar to liquorice" , "Plant with seeds used as flavouring" , "Plant with aromatic seeds" , "Plant giving ouzo flavour" , "Aromatic Mediterranean plant" .)