Source
It is a tropical tree that can reach up to 10 meters high. The fruit, woody, is composed of more lobes that give this species a characteristic star shape. In each lobe there is a seed of Illicium verum (star anise), which is used both in the kitchen and in pharmacology.
All about star anise: a natural antibiotic with a thousand uses in the kitchen.
It should not be confused with the star anise bastard (Illicium religiosum), also known as Japanese anise or shikimi. A plant of the Magnoliacee family whose small fruits are toxic.
Properties of star anise.
Its characteristics are found in the active principle, anethole, one of the main compounds of the essential oil.
This spice has, therefore, carminative and antibacterial properties, but also eupeptic and antiviral. It is a true natural antibiotic, but it can also act as a digestive. It is a good diuretic, depurative and seems to be able to stimulate hunger.
It is also used as an expectorant and anti-inflammatory, has a taste very similar to licorice.
Cultivation of star anise.
Star anise does not require great care but fears frost. It can be grown both in pots and in open land, the important thing is that the soil is acidic (a mixture of sand and peat). However, it is best to keep it in the apartment as early as in the fall and water it abundantly, especially in summer.
It prefers the semi-shade and can be reproduced in layers. It should be planted in the spring. A particularly suitable variety for cultivation is Illicium floridanum. Original from Florida, it does not exceed 2 meters in height and offers reddish flowers in summer.
Common anise and star anise: differences.
The common anise (Pimpenella anisum) also called anise green, is part of another family of plants. Even star anise comes from the east and has uses and benefits very similar to those of anise, even if its characteristics are almost completely different.
Use in medicine, home and kitchen.
Shikimic acid, of which star anise is one of the main sources, is used to produce a medicine against influenza. But star anise is especially appreciated in oriental cuisine, where it is used as a spice to flavor food and drink, both whole and ground.
In fact, it is known as a component of the so-called "5 Chinese spices", among which are green anise, cinnamon, spicy anise (Sichuan pepper) and cloves. It is also used for the production of liqueurs such as sambuca, pastis, ouzo and mistrà.
In the sixteenth century, it was a known bait for mice, not coincidentally the scientific name "Illicium" (meaning "addiction"). It is an excellent anti-moth, but can also be used as a perfumer for cabinets and drawers, soaps and toothpastes.
The star anise should be boiled and then crushed and added to the end, never cooked. It is one of the main ingredients of Garam Masala, and the compound used for the lacquer of pork, duck and goose (China).
It also goes well with vegetables, soups and soft drinks, such as herbal teas. Only 1 gram of star anise powder in a 250 ml cup, to infuse for at least 10 minutes.
Star anise during pregnancy and lactation.
This spice can be considered an ally of lactating women. It turns out that it is capable of stimulating the production of prolactin, the enzyme responsible for lactation.
However, its use is not recommended during pregnancy.
Contraindications
As always, in the case of essential oils, it is necessary to pay attention to overdose. Star anise could, in fact, cause diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and, in severe cases, seizures.
Where is the star anise?
This spice seems to come from Japan (where it is considered a sacred plant), Vietnam and China, from where it was introduced, in Europe, around the seventeenth century.
Today, just like in herb stores, it can be found online, usually dried, either powdered or powdered.