STAR ANISE

Star anise is a spice that is obtained from the Chinese tree ‘Illicium verum’ which is an evergreen tree which is native to northeastern Vietnam and Southwestern China. It is aptly named after its appearance and is obtained from the star shaped pods which are harvested just before ripening. Star anise has culinary as well as other benefits.

Star anise has been being used medicinally and as a spice for more than 3000 years now and originated in southern China. It reached Europe through an English sailor around the 1500s. At that time it was mostly being used in jams and syrups because of its sweet taste.

Flavor

Star anise has a very strong and distinct flavor that is warm, sweet and spicy. It has a taste quite similar to that of clove, fennel seeds, and anise.

Difference between star anise and anise

Even though anise and star anise have similar taste they are not the same since they don’t belong to the same plant family and differ quite a lot in their appearance. Anise seeds are smaller than star anise and look like fennel seeds. Another common confusion is one with the Japanese star anise which is highly toxic and must not be consumed.

Uses in Cooking

Star anise is widely used in cooking and baking.

• It is mostly used in India in foods like biryani or masala chai. It is also a part of ‘garam masala’ that is used in Indian dishes.
• It is also a key component of the famous Chinese ‘Five Spice Powder’.
• It is also used in Vietnam for making their well known ‘pho’ soup.
• Star anise is lesser used in Western cultures and is used mostly to flavor liqueurs like absinthe, mulled wine etc.
• It can also be used for baking cakes and cookies.

Other Uses

• Star anise oil is extremely fragrant hence it has a wide variety of applications in cooking, perfumery, soaps, toothpastes etc.
• Star anise is rich in many bioactive compounds that are vital contributors of good health. Star anise has antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Star anise also has antiviral properties because of the presence of shikimic acid that is a main constituent in the influenza medication. Some research also suggests that star anise extract is useful against some pathogenic bacteria that are drug resistant.

Whole vs. Ground

Star anise can be used in both whole and ground form. It is used in its whole form in stews, soups etc. to infuse flavor and are mostly removed after cooking.It is used in ground form just like any other ground spice. An important tip to keep in mind is that ground up star anise loses its flavor very fast and should be ground only when needed.

Storage

Star anise has to be stored in airtight containers and should be kept away from moisture, heat and sunlight. If stored properly, whole star anise remains fresh and does not lose its flavor for upto one year. Toasting the ground star anise is known to elevate its flavor.

Recipes to try

1. Cinnamon star anise green tea

Ingredients:

1. 4 green tea bags
2. 5 inch cinnamon sticks
3. 8 whole star anise
4. 4 cups boiling water

Method:

1. Stir the cinnamon, star anise and boiling water properly and let the flavors infuse for two minutes .
2. Put the tea bags into a pre warmed teapot and set aside.
3. Pour the infusion into the teapot and strain carefully to prevent the star anise and cinnamon from getting into the teapot.
4. Steep the tea in the spice infusion for two minutes. Strain and serve immediately.

2. Star anise cookies

Ingredients:

• 5 cups all purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup honey
• 3 eggs
• 2.5 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp ground star anise (i.e. powdered 3 whole star anise)

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 350F.
2. Beat the sugar and honey until blended properly and then beat in the eggs.
3. In another bowl combine the flour, star anise and the baking powder and gradually beat it into the wet mixture.
4. Roll the dough out into a 0.25 inch thick sheet and cut into your shape of preference using floured cookie cutters.
5. Place the cookies on a greased baking sheet and bake for 6–8 minutes or until the edges become golden.
6. Place on a wire rack to let cool properly and then serve