Star Anise, Ground

An intoxicating scent – induces hunger in the kitchen and lust in the bedroom.

In stock
SKU
SCH3755BLK
As low as $7.05

Illicium verum is an evergreen tree that grows in Southern China, Laos, and Vietnam. The fruits that come forth from the tiny pink flowers are harvested and dried into the woody, aromatic, and brilliantly pretty spice we call star anise. These Ceylon-colored poinsettias have eight points, each containing a delicate seed looking like a polished bead.

Star anise contains the essential oil, anethole, which gives both anise and star anise their licorice flavor (the two, however, are not related in any way). The flavor is fresh, muscular, floral, and penetrating.

China and India both use the spice for medicinal purposes – mainly to treat indigestion. Often the tiny seeds are chewed or brewed into a tisane. The anethole actually does have the benefit of being able to calm down gastric activity while simultaneously freshening breath.

Ground star anise powder has been used in Asia for years as an ingredient for braises and stews, particularly those focusing on beef, pork, seafood, winter squash, and beans. However, Western cultures have adopted the spice more for confectionery cooking and baking, as well as for flavoring spirits. Add a few star anise to the poaching liquid for apples or figs. If you plan to candy citrus peel, toss a star anise into the blanching liquid to imbue a licorice fragrance.

Ground star anise is a main ingredient in Chinese Five-Spice powder and Vietnamese pho. It’s also part of the Port Royal flavor profile – a mixture of chocolate, grapefruit, and star anise. Use as a rub ingredient for roast pork or beef.

If you bake homemade cinnamon rolls, add a teaspoon of ground star anise powder to the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Once you smell them baking you’ll never go back to plain ‘ol cinnamon.

More Information
IngredientsDried star anise.
Basic PreparationReady to use as is, no preparation is necessary.
Recommended ApplicationsGround Star Anise has many great applications to include light soups, rice pudding, steamed cabbage, roasted / barbecued chicken, braised leeks, or poached fish / shellfish.
Taste & AromaLicorice or Anise, Sweet
Product StylePowder
CuisineChinese, French, Indian, Malaysian, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Moroccan, Portuguese, Scandinavian, Turkish
Handling / StorageStore in a cool, dry place
Shelf Life2 Years
Country of OriginVietnam
Dietary PreferencesAll Natural, Gluten-Free, Kosher Parve, Non-GMO
Allergen InformationNone Specified

Reviews

What Everyone is Saying About Star Anise, Ground