Potential Health Benefits of Star Anise

Slofoodgroup Team June 09, 2021

Is Star Anise Good For Your Health?

Star anise is commonly used for both medicinal and culinary purposes. Whole star anise pods and anise, the herb, are actually  different species entirely, but they're often confused because their flavors are so similar. Usually, whole star anise and anise can be used interchangeably in recipes. 

In this article, you will learn where star anise comes from, the health benefits of the spice, and how to use star anise in your next recipe. 

What is star anise, and where does it come from?

Star anise is the most famous ingredient in the Chinese five-spice mix. The potent spice gets its name from the eight-pointed star-shaped appearance of the seed pod. Star anise's black licorice flavor comes from the fruit Illicium Verum, a type of evergreen shrub. 

Health Benefits of Star Anise 

Anise is rich in antioxidants, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C, which is said to help fight free radicals and prevent things like diabetes. What's more, the oils produced by star anise can help treat the flu! Consuming star anise in your diet can also help improve your digestion, alleviate cramps, and reduce nausea. 

How to Use Star Anise 

Star anise is a small but significant spice that can be both sweet and spicy. As such, star anise should always be used in moderation. 

Incorporate star anise in recipes for braising, soups, stews, and pickling. You can often find star anise in the popular Vietnamese dish, pho. Star anise can also be useful in the candying process. In Europe, star anise is often used in baking and to flavor teas as well as to season turkeys and honied hams. 

To use star anise pods, simply drop them into the liquid you're cooking with. Whether it's a braising liquid, cream, or another type of sauce, use the entire pod to inject the star anise flavor into your cooking. For best results, Slofoodgroup recommends placing the star anise in a cheesecloth or spice sachet to make the pods easier to remove once they've flavored your dish. 

If you're interested in creating your own spice mix, you can also grind up the star anise pods into a powder. Use a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder for best results.

Some of our favorite recipes that call for the use of star anise

• Mulled Wine
• Cinnamon Spiced Smoked Duck
• Homemade Vanilla Chai
• Coconut and Saffron Roasted Carrots

Start Cooking with Star Anise

Are you ready to add star anise to your next meal? Slofoodgroup offers high-quality star anise products. Click here to purchase Whole Star Anise Pods from Vietnam.