Star anise is the seed pod from the
fruit of the Illicium
verum plant, an evergreen shrub native to Southwest China. The
star anise pod, which is shaped like a star (hence its name), has an average of
eight points, each containing a single pea-sized seed. Both the seeds and the
pod are used in cooking and contain the sweet, potent anise flavor. Star anise
is sold whole and ground.
Star anise is used in culinary applications for its
distinct flavor but is also employed for its medicinal benefits. It is grown in
China, Indo-China, and Japan and sometimes referred to as Chinese star anise.
Star anise is a pillar ingredient in Chinese cooking; it is one of the
main flavors in Chinese five-spice powder and is also used to make
tea and season roast duck and other meats. In Vietnamese cuisine, star anise is
part of the well-known soup, pho. In Western cultures, it is more often
used to flavor liqueurs, such as absinthe, sambuca, and pastis, as well as
baked goods like cookies and cakes.
The star anise pod is picked before it ripens and then
dried in the sun, turning it a deep brown or rust color. The distinctive flavor
is derived from anethol, the same oil found in anise seed giving both a
licorice taste.Star anise has been used in
Asian and Eurasian cooking for many, many years. This age-old spice is not only
known as a culinary expert, but is also famous for its medicinal properties.
Kesar aka saffron: 6
reasons to include more of this expensive spice in your diet
The star-shaped spice
originated in south China and posses licorice-like flavour and is called by the
name of 'chakra phool' in India.
Anise is frequently used as
an exotic spice in Indian as well as in Chinese cuisines. Because of its
strong, delightful fragrance, it is mostly used in biryanis, chicken, sea food
and other vegetarian dishes. But it's time to think
'outside of the kitchen'. This small flower-like fruit is also a storehouse of
some key ingredients, which can help combat several illnesses apart from
imparting flavour to dishes.