It often is added whole to soups, stews and braising broths, to which it adds a sweet-licorice-peppery flavor. Star anise can be used whole or ground. When whole, it usually is added to liquids destined for a slow simmer or braise. It usually is removed and discarded from the dish before serving.
What part of star anise do you use?
The star anise pod, which is shaped like a star (hence its name), has an average of eight points, each containing a single pea-sized seed. Both the seeds and the pod are used in cooking and contain the sweet, potent anise flavor. Star anise is sold whole and ground.
What dishes use star anise?
Noodle dishes like classic Vietnamese Pho, Lanzhou Beef Noodle Soup, and Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup also benefit from the fragrance of star anise. It is even used to flavor marbled tea eggs, a popular Chinese street snack. However, its aroma is quite intense and can easily overpower a dish. Use it sparingly.
What meat does star anise go with?
It ipairs well in savory recipes with citrus, poultry, and beef, adding a contrasting sweet licorice-like flavor to dishes. Ground star anise is more potent and can be added in small quantities to dishes and baked goods. It’s a common spice in Indian cuisine, used in the spice blend garam masala, as well as chai tea.
Do you have to crush star anise?
Ground star anise is also available at Asian markets and at most supermarkets, though it is recommended you grind it fresh—using either a spice grinder or a mortar and pestle—because ground star anise loses its flavor quickly. Star anise is used whole to flavor soups and tea, and ground in baked goods and other dishes.
What are the side effects of star anise?
Serious side effects, including vomiting and seizures, have been reported in infants and adults given star anise tea. Star anise teas may be contaminated with Japanese star anise (Illicium anisatum), which is poisonous. High doses of star anise can also cause serious side effects.
What is the health benefits of star anise?
It has anti-fungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and may fight stomach ulcers, keep blood sugar levels in check and reduce symptoms of depression and menopause. Combined with a nutritious diet and healthy lifestyle, anise seed could improve several aspects of your health.
What does star anise taste like?
What does it taste like? Star anise has a mild and fragrant licorice flavor.
What is the difference between anise and star anise?
Anise seed and star anise come from two entirely different plants with origins in different parts of the world. Both do have similar flavor profiles because they share the essential oil anethole, though star anise is considered more bitter and herbaceous.
Do you grind star anise whole?
And like all whole spices, it should be ground just before using. The best way to try it is in a slow braise of beef. Start with a base of broth, then add onions, soy sauce and whole star anise. If you like, add some Sichuan peppercorns, too.
What is star anise called in English?
Illicium verum is a medium-sized evergreen tree native to northeast Vietnam and southwest China. A spice commonly called star anise, staranise, star anise seed, star aniseed, star of anise, Chinese star anise, or badian that closely resembles anise in flavor is obtained from the star-shaped pericarps of the fruit of I.
Is star anise good for weight loss?
Anise also contains compounds that have been shown to boost metabolism and promote fat burning.
How do you use star anise in meat?
Using star anise in cooking: Ways to use whole star anise/broken star anise. Whole and broken pods can be used in cooking, such as simmering in sauces, marinading meat, adding flavor to soups, and then removing before serving. The pods do not soften as they cook and therefore cannot be consumed.
Can you eat star anise?
In most cases, star anise is not eaten by itself but is used as a spice and added to dishes, where it imparts a sweet-licorice-peppery flavor. Whole or ground star anise is an excellent addition to savory recipes like soups, stews, broths, and sweet recipes like pies and ice cream.
Can you chew star anise?
Chewing some whole star anise seeds is a good remedy for bad breath; it also helps to refresh, disinfect, whiten the teeth and tone the throat and gums.
Does star anise taste like licorice?
Star anise tastes licorice-like and slightly sweet. It’s often compared closely to anise seed even though there’s no relation. You can use star anise lots of different ways. It works well as part of sweet and savory food, drinks, baked goods, and sauces.
Does star anise interact with any medications?
Star Anise has no listed interactions with other drugs.
Does anise interfere with medications?
Anise may also interact with certain medications including birth control pills, estrogen, and tamoxifen. Speak to your healthcare provider before consuming anise if you are taking these or any other medications.
Can anise give you diarrhea?
Orally administered anise supplements may cause moderate to severe allergic reactions of the digestive and respiratory tracts. Such reactions may induce nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, wheezing or shortness of breath.
Does anise raise your blood pressure?
Anise reduces stress, high blood pressure, and cholesterol. The intake of boiled fennel water and soup relieves the problem of flatulence and also helps in weight loss. Fennel seeds can also be worked as a pain reliever. Aniseed is also effective in detracting inflammation.
Does star anise make you sleepy?
Star anise can also be used as for its sedating properties to ensure a good sleep. The oil of star anise is useful in providing relief from rheumatism and lower back pain.