Star anise looks great but what exactly is it?

Posted on by Lani and Norm
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Estimated read time 3 min read
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What exactly is star anise? Star anise is a spice made from the fruit of the Chinese evergreen tree Illicium verum. The flavour of star anise is similar to the licorice flavour.  Star anise and anise area similar in flavour and commonly confused but they are different.  It is rich in flavonoids and polyphenolic compounds that may contribute the medicinal benefits.

What is star anise?

Star anise is actually a fruit of an evergreen tree in the magnolia family, Ilicium vrum.  This green fruit of the tree is picked before it ripens and dried until it is a hard, nut-brown seed. 

Star anise in cooking

It is a key ingredient in Chinese 5 spice which included start anise, fennel, cinnamon, Szechuan peppercorns and cloves.  It can also be found in the Indian spice blend garam masala. The flavour is familiar to licorice, cloves and cinnamon and pairs well with duck and pork.

The licorice flavour is similar to anise or fennel and pairs well with coriander, cinnamon, cardamom and cloves.  It is used in Chinese, Vietnamese, Indian and Middle Eastern cuisines.  E.g. broths, soups and curries.  It can be found in Chinese 5 spice and Indian garam masala.  A little of this spice goes a long way.

Health benefits of star anise

  1. Antiviral capabilities. Shikimic acid found in start anise has strong antiviral capabilities and may help in such viruses as influenza
  2. Antifungal properties. A rich among/source of the flavonoid anethole which contains antifungal benefits can be found in start anise.
  3. Antibacterial.  This spice has an ability to inhibit bacterial growth.  Studies show that bioactive compounds of star anise may be effective in treating urinary tract infections caused by bacteria
  4. Rich in antioxidants and vitamins A and C which are instrumental in fighting free radicals responsible for aging and diabetes.
  5. The oil produced contains thymol, terpineol, anethole which is good for treating colds and flus.
  6. It improves digestion, alleviates cramps and reduces nausea.
  7. Start anise teas after meals helps treat bloating, gas, indigestion and constipation.
  8. Water infused with crushed seeds of start anise can increase sex drive.

References

  1. Star Anise: Benefits, Uses and Potential Risks, URL: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/star-anise
  2. 5 health benefits of star anise, aka chakra phool, you didn’t know about, URL: https://www.indiatoday.in/lifestyle/wellness/story/5-benefits-of-star-anise-or-chakra-phool-apartfrom-adding-flavours-to-the-dishes-310564-2016-02-25
  3. What Is Star Anise?, URL: https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/what-is-star-anise/
  4. Star Anise — Off the Beaten Aisle, URL: https://www.foodnetwork.com/fn-dish/how-to/2011/09/how-to-use-star-anise
  5. Star Anise – Uses, Side Effects, and More, URL: https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-364/star-anise
  6. Star Anise – Uses, Side Effects, and More, URL: https://www.tarladalal.com/star-anise-tea-indian-home-remedy-for-cold-and-cough-42790r
Lani and Norm
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Lani and Norm

I enjoy learning and sharing that knowledge. Sharing has been in many forms over the years, as a teaching assistant, university lecturer, Pilates instructor, math tutor and just sharing with friends and family. Throughout, summarizing what I have learnt in words has always been there and continues to through blog posts, articles, video and the ever growing forms of content out there!

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