LITTLE SECRETS OF STAR ANISE

Star anise is getting more and more popular among spice lovers around the world due to its excellent taste and peculiar shape. 

Star anise, or Illicium verum, is an evergreen tree which is native to China and Vietnam. This popular spice is also known by the names Chinese star anise and badiam. Star anise is represented by a solid pericarp that resembles in shape an eight-pointed star containing pea-sized seeds. The fruit is usually brownish and about 2.5 cm long. As a rule, people pick the fruits before they ripen.

Healthy Components

• Vitamins A, С
• Linalool
• Quercetin
• Shikimic acid
• Anethole
• Iron
• Manganese

Interesting Facts

• Star anise is widely used in Indian, Indonesian and Chinese cuisines.
• There is another type of anise called Japanese star anise. It is uneatable and very toxic. Japanese people often use it as incense. Make sure not to consume Japanese star anise!
• Star anise is one of the “five-spice” powder components.

Uses

• Spice
• Cosmetics
• Perfumes
• Oil
• Tinctures and extracts

Star Anise Tea Recipe

What you need:

• 2 cups of boiling water
• 4 whole fruits of star anise
• Some honey or any other optional ingredients

Pour the boiling water over the star anise fruits. Steep the tea for around 15 minutes. Strain the mixture and add your favourite additional ingredients.