Star anise (Illicium verum) is a dried fruit that comes from the Chinese evergreen tree (magnolia family). It is native to China and is also found growing down into South-East Asia.
Star anise has a sweet liquorice flavour.
Description[edit | edit source]
The plant grows into a small tree of about 8 meters (26 feet).
The star anise fruit is, as its name suggests, star-shaped. It is very easy to recognise when purchasing spices.
The star anise fruit turns a reddish-brown or russet colour when dried.
Storing star anise[edit | edit source]
Purchase star anise either whole or in its powdered/ground form. If you prefer it to be as fresh as possible, buy the whole fruit and grind when needed.
Store both the dried whole fruit or the powdered/ground spice in an airtight container.
Uses of star anise[edit | edit source]
The fruit is picked before it is completely ripe; the seed pods are contained within the fruit.
Star anise is used to flavour food and drinks, including "chai" tea spice mixes. It has been used in Chinese cuisine for a long time and in Western cuisine since the 1600s. It is often added to syrups, rice dishes and jams. Star anise oil is added to some alcoholic drinks (such as anisette).
Star anise is one of the ingredients of Chinese five spice powder, in which it is the dominant flavour.
Sources and citations[edit | edit source]
- Wikipedia, at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illicium_verum
