What Is Star Anise?

Star anise is a star-shaped pod that contains seeds with a strong licorice flavor. The seed-containing pod is often used whole as a cooking spice. Each star-shaped seed pod has eight-points. Star anise is native to China and Vietnam. Another name for star anise is takkola.

Star anise not the same as 5 spice, however, it is an ingredient in most Chinese 5 spice blends. It will usually be combined with other spices such as anise seeds, fennel seeds, Sichuan pepper, and clove to make a complete 5 spice blend. Star anise is well known for tasting similar to anise seeds, fennel seeds, and licorice root. It is usually suitable to use all 3 of these spices as substitutes for each other in cooking recipes.

Often, people want to know the difference between star anise and ‘regular’ anise. They are different plants, and although star anise and anise seed can be used as substitutes for each other, the taste is not exactly the same. Star anise tastes hotter, more pungent, and bitter in comparison to regular anise, which is milder and sweeter tasting. Despite its relative bitterness in comparison to other similar-tasting herbs, star anise will not make food taste bitter. Star anise (llicium verum) and regular anise seeds (Pimpinella anisum) are not the same thing. Star anise (llicium verum) and fennel seeds (Foeniculum vulgare) are not the same thing either, and despite having a similar flavor, they are very different to experience.

How to Use Star Anise (Common Uses)

Star anise can be taken internally as a tea, powder, capsules, decoction, or extract.

Star anise is used in many different dishes for its ability to bring a licorice-like flavour and aroma. It is a crucial ingredient in Chinese 5 spice blends. Star anise is a popular ingredient to be added to coffees, and it is often used in flavored lattes.

Flavors that go well with star anise include cinnamon, whiskey, Sichuan, and orange.

The seeds from the star anise pods can be chewed after meals to help freshen breath, however, the seed pod is not suitable to be eaten whole.

Visit our blog for more information about learning how to use star anise.

Medicinal Uses and Benefits of Star Anise

Star anise is an excellent digestive aid and carminative. Recently, star anise has gained popularity as an ingredient to add to water and drink in the morning. This is likely due to its ease of use and the ability of star anise to ease bloating, making it a popular way to start the day. To make star anise infused water, simply soak whole star anise pods in water for several hours or more before drinking.

Star anise contains natural compounds such as anethole, which give it its distinct licorice-like smell and taste, as well as some of its benefits.

Star anise does not contain caffeine and it does not make you feel sleepy. Star anise is often used to improve the flavor of herbal formulas, and may be used in herbal sleep aids for this purpose. Its ability to hide the flavor of powerful sleep-inducing herbs such as valerian root and passionflower is unmatched by most traditional herbal ingredients.

Due to its high content of essential oils, star anise has antibacterial and antifungal benefits, and may be used both internally to treat colds and illness, and as a recipe ingredient to help prevent the spoilage of food.

Active Constituents in Star Anise

Volatile oils, anethole, flavonoids, tannins.