Star Anise

The Star Anise shrub (IlliciumVerum) is from Southeastern China. The pod looks like a star with 8 points. Each point contains a seed. 

What do we cover-

• What is Star Anise meaning

• What are the ingredients in Star Anise?

• Where does Star Anise come from?

• How is Star Anise processed?

• What does Star Anise taste?

• What dietary and health benefits does Star Anise provide?

• What is Star Anise used for

• Whole Star Anise vsAniseSeed

• How to use Star Anise?

• What makes ALCO spices unique?

What is Star Anise?

The Star Anise shrub (illiciumverum) is from Southeastern China. The pod looks like a star with 8 points. Each point contains a seed. It is often confused with Anise Seed, and the two are unrelated. Star Anise is very popular in Chinese cuisine and is one of the ingredients in their five-spice powder. 

What are the ingredients in Alcoeats Star Anise?

Where does Star Anise come from?

Star Anise is native to Southeastern China. Star Anise production occurs in Southern China and Vietnam because of the specific growing conditions required of the Star Anise shrub. India also produces a small amount of Star Anise. If Star Anise pod is grown in a warm subtropical climate, the shrub must be developed in areas with woodlands, sunny edges, and dappled shade. If the shrub is produced in cooler weather, the shrub must be more exposed to sunlight. The shrub also needs a specific type of soil that has good drainage, is humus-rich, and is mildly acidic to neutral acidity levels.

How is Star Anise processed?

When the pods of the Star Anise are ready to be harvested, they are removed from the shrub individually using garden shears. The pods are closed when freshly harvested and must not be consumed until the pods have matured and opened the seeds encased in the pod. The newly harvested Star Anise pod has a green colour with a rounded shape. After the sun-drying process, they turn into a star shape with a more reddish brown colour.

What does Star Anise taste like?

Star Anise has a strong flavour that is warm, sweet, and liquorice-like.

What dietary and health benefits does Star Anise provide?

• Star Anise has bioactive compounds such as Linalool, Quercetin, Anethole, Shikimic Acid, Gallic acid, and Limonene that contribute to antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. 
• Whole Star Anise is rich in vitamins A and Vitamin C. It helps to fight free radicals.
• Star Anise aids in controlling sugar. 
• Ground Star Anise improves digestion and alleviates cramps. 
• Teaspoon Anise helps to reduce nausea.  

What is Star Anise used for?

Star Anise contains several different bioactive compounds that can potentially help you fight against viral, fungi, and bacterial infections. Star Anise is the leading source of the world's supply of shikimic Acid, a very effective compound used to kill viruses. Star Anise is a vital oil aid in fighting viral infections on the skin like Herpes and Influenza. Star Anise contains compounds of flavonoid anethole and linalool to stop the growth of fungi. Whole Star Anise is very effective at preventing the growth of bacteria. The bioactive compounds in Star Anise have shown to be just as effective as antibiotics at killing bacteria.

Whole Star Anise vs Anise Seed

The debate about whether Star Anise is the same as Anise seed ends here. Anise seed is a tiny brown-coloured seed against a seed pod of Star Anise that is star-shaped. 

How to use Star Anise?

Although Star Anise is sweet, it uplifts the flavour in savoury dishes. Whole Star Anise is best when cooked in sauces, stews, marinades, and soups, allowing the flavour to release into the dish. Make sure to remove the Star Anise before serving and not to let it cook too long; otherwise, it will overtake the dish. Star Anise pairs with meats, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg with its Aniseflavour. If you are looking for a whole Star Anise substitute, Anise seeds or fennel seeds can come to the rescue. 

What makes ALCO spices unique?

• Premium Quality And Taste

 We are diligent in our efforts to procure the highest quality spices in the world. The aroma and bold flavours of the herbs will make you fall in love with experimenting and trying new flavours in the kitchen.

• 100% Natural

 Alcoeats does not add any artificial flavours, so all the spices are 100% natural and ethically sourced directly from the Earth. There are also no added preservatives. The belief is that you should never have to use artificial flavours when the Earth provides so many great tasting natural Aniseflavours for us. The commitment to serve food products that one can feel safe consuming is essential. The aim is to know what you are eating, which is why there is no use of strange chemicals created in a lab to extend the shelf life of our products.

• Ethically Sourced

Alcoeats is committed to strengthening the local community, which is why whole Star Anise seeds are ethically sourced and purchased from farmers in India. The Star Anise price is therefore reasonable and involves no extra charges. 

Summing Up On Star Anise

Whole Star Anise has a special place in our Indian cooking. Let us imbibe the habit of using Star Anise in our dishes to promote good health and wellness. Buy your pack of Star Anise to get the Aniseflavour in the dishes. Just type 'whole Star Anise near me to get your pack of Star Anise delivered to your doorstep.