2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
Star anise / ructus Anisi stellai / or Chinese anise is the fruit of the evergreen tree Illicium verum, belonging to the family Magniliaceae. The spice is also known by its names Indian anise and Siberian anise. In Russia the star anise is called star anise, and in Italy-anice stellato.
The Illicium verum tree grows up to eight meters. The leaves of the plant are green, elongated and pointed at the end. Its flowers are whitish, sometimes colored yellow or pale green. The tree bears fruit after the age of five, after flowering. The fruits look like a star, up to 2-3 centimeters wide.
The education in question has between six and ten tips. When the fruits ripen, they turn dark brown. Each of the tips gives a seed, which is then used as a spice. These shiny seeds have a reddish or brownish color. The special thing about the fruits is that they can be used for seasoning dishes only after the age of fifteen. Otherwise, the evergreen tree itself can produce fruit for almost a century. The seeds have a sweet taste and spicy aroma.
Star anise is grown in a number of countries, including China, Japan, Vietnam, Cambodia, the Philippines, India. The tree grows in many places with tropical climates.
History of star anise
Chinese aniseAs you can guess from the name mind, it originates from Southeast Asian lands. In China and Vietnam, the tree grows at an altitude of 600 to 1500 meters. It turns out that star anise is among the spices preferred by Asians and they have long studied its properties and characteristics. Even before Christ, they used aromatic seeds and included them in dishes and healing mixtures. The wood of the evergreen tree was used in shipbuilding. This caused the plant to be called ship anise somewhere.
The Chinese spice was brought to our continent many centuries later - only in the sixteenth century. Like most goods not typical for the region, it arouses great interest among the locals, due to which the price of its value increases significantly. Europeans are delighted with the new spice and it is quickly used in both folk medicine and cuisine. Europeans willingly put the star anise in pastries and dishes.
Composition of star anise
The composition of the ructus Anisi stellai is somewhat reminiscent of the composition of Pimpinella anisum, known as anise. Small shiny grains are a source of anethole, tannin, resins, sugars and more.
Storage of star anise
Star anise can be found anywhere on the market. When buying the spice, you should pay attention to the expiration date, because if the spice is old, its aroma will be imperceptible. Both whole and crushed seeds are offered in the commercial sites. If you buy whole grains, you can crush or grind them.
In this way you will get an aromatic powdery substance with a reddish tinge. It is best stored in closed containers made of natural materials. To be kept in dry and dark places. Properly covered, it will withstand a great deal of adverse conditions for about a year.
Benefits of star anise
The benefits of these shiny seeds are not one or two. The use of the product as a medicine dates back to antiquity. Star anise helps to secrete secretions. It has a beneficial effect on problems with the gastrointestinal tract and lungs.
It has anti-inflammatory and healing effects. Recommended for cough, toothache, colic, gas, sore throat, rheumatism. Recently, star anise seeds have been used to make anti-influenza medicine. The berries are also used for other purposes. For example, the oil from star anise used as an insecticide.
Folk medicine with star anise
In the folk medicine of Asian peoples there are many drugs involving anise in them. In case of stomach problems, high blood pressure, cough, a decoction of star anise can be taken. For this purpose, take 2 grains and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon. The grains are ground and put to boil for 2-3 minutes in 1 liter of water. Cinnamon is added to the end. The resulting liquid is filtered and sweetened with honey. If desired, lemon can be added.
Star anise in cooking
Star anise is a spice widely used in the culinary world. Ground star anise is used in recipes for various sweets, including pastries, jams, jellies, compotes of pears, apples, plums, peaches. Star anise can be successfully combined with spices such as cinnamon, ginger, cloves, vanilla. It is also combined with black pepper, garlic, dill, parsley, as it is also used in salty specialties.
With this spice you can taste fish, chicken and duck meat, as well as beef and pork. The aromatic berries are also added to vegetable stews and soups. However, it is important not to overdo the spice, because if it is fresh, it has a strong effect. One gram of it can taste a whole portion. Star anise essential oil is used in the production of liqueurs.
Harm from star anise
With star anise should not be overdone, because frequent use of the product in large doses can lead to chronic poisoning.
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Anise in the form of a star is a spice made from the fruits of the Chinese evergreen tree Illicium verum. Its name comes from similar to star pods from which seeds are collected for spices and has a taste reminiscent of licorice. Due to the similarities in their taste and names, star anise is often confused with ordinary anise, although the two spices have nothing in common.
