Star Anise

Common Name

Star anise is popular in Chinese, Vietnamese, Indian, Indonesian, Persian and Pakistani cuisines. Star anise made its way to Europe in the 17th century. In North America, star anise is used generally as a substitute for anise or with strong fatty meats and game.

Star anise comes from the star shaped fruit of the evergreen, Illicium verum which grows to heights of approximately 25 feet and belongs to the magnolia family.

The fruit, which smells and tastes strongly of licorice or anise, is picked before it ripens and left to dry in the sun. Similar, but not related to anise, star anise is warm and slightly sweet but far more intense.

Purported Medicinal Qualities*

Although star anise and anise are not botanically related, they do share many medicinal qualities. Star anise aids digestion, will provide relief from gas and is said to have strong antiseptic properties. Star anise has been used to help cure colic, and is a key ingredient in an anti-viral drug prescribed for individuals suffering from avian influenza.

Historically, star anise has been used to:

• As a carminative
• Relieve colic
• Aid digestion
• As an antiseptic
• Relieve flu symptoms

*Always check with your healthcare provider before consuming, inhaling or otherwise ingesting any non-prescription or prescription natural or homeopathic substance or pharmaceutical. ChefatHand.com is not recommending, suggesting, inferring or otherwise endorsing the use of any herb or spice as a medication.

Culinary/Suggested Use

Popular in Asian cooking, star anise is a main ingredient in the popular five-spice blend and the Vietnamese soup pho. Star anise can be substituted for anise, but should be used in smaller quantities as it is much stronger. Star anise is an excellent addition to most red meats, especially fatty and braised meats. 'Stars' can be added whole to a dish or ground and should be kept in a cool, dark place in a tightly sealed container.  Food for thought:

• Add ground star anise to pies, jellies and jams
• Add ground star anise to baked goods such as cookies, muffins and sweet breads
• Add a dash of ground or a couple whole stars to curries, soups or stews
• Star anise pairs well with beef, lamb, pork or poultry
• Sear scallops dusted lightly with ground star anise, in sesame oil and serve over glass (rice) noodles dressed in unseasoned rice wine, sesame oil, fish sauce and a touch of soy sauce or tamari.

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