What is Star Anise?
Star Anise is the seed of a small Chinese evergreen tree with the Latin name Illicium verum (meaning sweet smell and pretty shape). The plant is also cultivated in parts of Vietnam. One single plant has the capability to produce seeds for a period of up to 100 years. The flower of the tree blossoms yellow before drying out to become the star-shaped ‘fruit’ or ‘pod’. Each star anise pod has on average 8 points, with each containing a single seed.
What does Star Anise taste like?
This star-shaped spice shares the same flavour compound as fennel and liquorice (known as the anethole flavour compound) however they are not directly related to each other. On its own, it embodies a very strong, distinct flavour that is warm, sweet, herbal and spicy. With underlying notes of eucalyptus and floral tones, it’s an extremely fragrant and multi-layered spice. If you have never eaten star anise, you may recognise the smell and taste from the alcoholic drink Sambuca, for which it is used to infuse and give it the easily recognised and distinctive smell.
What’s the difference between Anise and Star Anise?
Often confused with each other due to their similar name and taste, they actually come from different plant families and also differ in appearance; anise seeds do not have a star shape, are smaller and much milder and sweeter in taste. It is however also used to infuse alcohol, most commonly in French pastis and is commonly used in sweet dishes and desserts.
Cooking with Star Anise
An essential spice in Chinese cooking and one of the main ingredients in Chinese 5 Spice Powder blends which is used in numerous stir-fries and hotpots and Chinese bbq meats.
If you have ever ordered the popular Vietnamese takeaway soup Pho, you may recognise the floral tones of star anise used to infuse the rich meaty broth.
In South Indian cuisine it’s an important ingredient in the famous celebration rice dish, biryani, and also a component in some spice blends of garam masala. Its increasing popularity in Western culture has led it to be included in Italian-style meat ragu’s, classic chicken soup recipes and of course, festive spiced mulled wine and whiskey.
How do you prepare Star Anise?
Whole pods need to be simmered in sauces, marinades, and soups slowly so they have time to realise flavour. They should then be removed before serving. The pods do not soften as they cook and therefore cannot be served along with the finished meal and consumed.
How do you crush Star Anise?
To crush into a powder for a faster injection of flavour or to combine with other spices for a specific blend you will need either a small coffee grinder, spice grinder or mortar and pestle.
Spice Blends using Star Anise
To draw out the underlying eucalyptus notes star anise can be blended with cardamom, bay leaf, ginger, cinnamon, pepper, Sichuan pepper, allspice and citrus.
Food Pairings
- With vegetables, braised leek and cabbage, fennel and root vegetables such as pumpkin and swede
- Combined with other spices (such as Chinese 5 spice blends) to create Asian soups, stir-frys and sauces
- Used to infuse mulled wine, mulled cider and whiskey
- Combined with other spices in the cooking of Indian-style rice, biryanis and Middle Eastern Pilaf
- Used to flavour slow-cooked Korean-style stews of beef, chicken, or pork
- Added to Italian beef ragu sauce for a fragrant touch
- Paired with other Asian flavours such as ginger and lime in seafood dishes including mussels, clams or white fish fillets
- Combined with fruits such as figs, apples, pears, apricots, mango and pineapple to produce jam and conserves.
Non-Culinary uses
Used to create essential oils, Star anise blends well with lavender, cypress, orange, rose, pine, clove, peppermint and cinnamon. Also used in soaps, perfumes and medically in Chinese medicine.
Recipes on Flaevor using Star Anise
Beef Gochujamg Stew
Fragrant spicy Beef Gochujang Stew using star anise is slow-cooked to create a soft juicy meat sauce with a spicy kick. Recipe for Beef Gochujang Stew here:
Star Anise Chicken Spinach Soup
Chicken and spinach soup fused with Asian flavours of star anise, garlic, ginger and green chilli . Poaching chicken thighs on the bone produce rich oily chicken cartilage flavour and texture which has immune-boosting qualities. Recipe for Star Anise Chicken Spinach Soup here:
Beef Ragu with Walnut Pesto
Classic slow-cooked Italian beef ragu that has been spiced with star anise, cinnamon and cumin. Classic and trusted Italian pasta sauce dish which satisfies every time. Recipe for Beef Ragu with Walnut Pesto here:
Chicken Tomato Pest Soup
Star Anise adds a warm comforting spice to this homemade chicken soup with crushed tomatoes, parmesan and sundried tomato basil lemon pesto. Recipe for Chicken Tomato Pesto Soup here:
Star anise can be purchased at international and commercial supermarkets and online
