Star Anise

Product Description

Star anise is the star shaped fruit that grows on a tree scientifically called illicium verum. As the name suggests, the star shape contains anywhere from five to ten pointers, each one holding the seeds. The star anise tree is fairly small but grows year round bearing fruit usually in the autumn.

Star anise is often confused with aniseed (a relative of the fennel plant) as both possess sweet, black licorice-like scent and essential oils for both seeds contain an active compound anethole. Star anise is utilized widely in Asian cuisine, while aniseeds are predominantly used by Western countries. Due to its sweet scent, star anise essential oils are also used in aromatherapy, perfumes, toothpaste and cosmetics.

The star anise used as medicine is Chinese star anise. However, some Chinese star anise tea products have been contaminated with Japanese star anise. Japanese star anise is poisonous and should not be taken. It is not possible to tell the difference between these two ingredients just by looking. The only way to ensure that a star anise product is safe is through chemical analysis.

In foods and beverages, star anise is considered a culinary spice; both the seed and oil are used as flavoring.

In manufacturing, the oil is used as a fragrance in soaps, cosmetics, perfumes, and toothpaste, and to mask undesirable odors in drug products.

Health Benefits

Numerous active compounds within star anise contribute to an extensive list of health benefits and have been used by Asian traditional medicines for centuries. One of the major compounds within star anise is shikimic acid which is the primary ingredient used for the past 15 plus years to synthesize antiviral drug oseltamivir, known by the common name as Tamilflu. [2,3]  Besides shikimic acid, star anise contains number of other potent ingredients that have been linked to numerous healing properties including:

• Anti-inflammatory (reducing pain and swelling of muscles and joints);
• Decreases body stress (reducing depression and anxiety symptoms);
• Improves sleep;
• Enhances digestion;
• Strong Anti-viral, antibacterial and anti-fungal;
• Promotes healthy skin (good anti-microbial agent);
• Regulates blood pressure and improves circulation;
• Improves bone health;
• Cancer fighting properties.

Number of powerful phytonutrients (flavonoids, lignans, terpenes and phenylpropanoids) such as anethole, limonene, linalool, quercetin, alpha-pipene, beta-pipene and nerolidol have been identified in star anise. Research shown many of these compounds to be potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-microbial and mighty free radical scavengers.

USES

Star anise is one of the signature flavours of Chinese savory cooking. The five-spice powder mix common in China contains star anise. It is used to flavour vegetables, meat, and to marinate meat. It is used as a condiment for flavoring curries, confectionaries, spirits, and for pickling. It is also used in perfumery. The essential oil of star anise is used to flavour soft drinks, bakery products and liquors. The fruit is anti-bacterial, carminative, diuretic and stomachic. It is considered useful in flatulence and spasmodic.

Easy to Incorporate Into Your Cooking

Star anise has a distinct licorice flavor similar to that of anise or fennel, though it’s not related to either of these spices. It pairs well with coriander, cinnamon, cardamom and clove.

In cooking, star anise can be used whole or as a powder.

It’s often utilized in classical Chinese, Vietnamese, Indian and Middle Eastern cuisines, especially as a flavor enhancer in broths, soups and curries.

It’s well known for its presence in the Chinese “5 spice” and Indian “Garam Masala” blends.

In traditional Chinese and folk medicine practices, star anise is steeped in water to make a tea used to treat respiratory infections, nausea, constipation and other digestive issues.

Star anise also makes a great addition to sweet dishes and desserts, such as baked fruit, pies, quick bread and muffins.

If you’ve never used this spice in your culinary pursuits before, keep in mind that a little goes a long way. Start with a small amount and add more to taste in order to avoid using too much.

Try sprinkling powdered star anise into your next batch of muffins or throw a couple of whole pods into your next pot of soup for a warming boost of flavor.