What is Star Anise (Illicium verum)?
Star Anise (Illicium verum) is a star shaped, dark brown seed pod that comes from a small evergreen tree native to southwest China. Used as a spice in Chinese, Vietnamese, Laotian and Indian cuisine, as well as in Western baking, this ancient spice has a taste similar to anise but is more bitter and slightly more pungent. It is popular in many different types of curries, soups, and sauces, while in the West it is often found in dishes like poached pears and teas. In traditional Chinese medicine, star anise is known to be helpful with digestion and is also said to aid in reducing flatulence.
What does Star Anise taste like?
Star Anise is a fragrant and flavourful spice, often used in Chinese and South East Asian dishes. It has a similar taste and aroma profile to both aniseed and licorice, but is slightly sweeter and more intense. Star Anise has a strong and warm camphor-like fragrance, with notes of clove and pepper, making it truly unique. Its taste is well-loved by many, combining bitterness, sweet and sour elements, making it a great addition to cocktails and savoury dishes alike.
What dishes do you find Star Anise in?
Star Anise is a popular ingredient used in many famous dishes. It is the core component of the Chinese five-spice powder and is widely used in Vietnamese pho and Thai curries and stir-frys. Star Anise is often used as a flavoring in Chinese red-cooked dishes as well as in Chinese sausage and Peking duck. In India, it is used in garam masala to flavor curries, pulses, and vegetables. In Arab cuisine, ground star anise is used to flavor many dishes. Star Anise is a common ingredient in Italian biscotti, Italian sausage, and Italian pork stews. Star Anise is also used in baking and in desserts such as Turkish delight and chocolate mousse.