benefits of star anise

Shikimic acid a primary feedstock used to create the anti flu drug Tamiflu is produced by most autotrophic organisms but star anise is the industrial source.

Some glossary noted this star anise extract can have potent antioxidant and antibacterial properties but its fragrant component makes this a potential skin irritant and it can cause photosensitivity.

Anise contains some compounds that are estrogenic (anethole similar to estrogen female hormone) and promotes menstruation facilitating childbirth increasing libido in women and oddly enough some people have reported androgenic (male hormone) effects as well. Its worth the try after all it has a reputation for increasing the male libido.

Anise is used internally for whooping cough flatulence coliclike pain as a digestive for menstruation disturbances liver disease and tuberculosis.

Star Anise is very versatile and works well in baked goods chilled desserts sauces soups stews and with red meats. Best when used as an accent flavor as a single point can add wonderful layers of complex flavor and aroma which makes it a favorite secret ingredient of both professional and home chefs. Be careful not to use too much as it can easily overpower.

Boil star anise whole when using in most broths and soups. The Gourmet website recommends using two whole star anise pods in French onion soup to add a subtle sweetness.

Star anise is sometimes confused with standard anise or Pimpinella anisum or the plants are thought to be closely related. In fact anise plants are a small wispy green plant resembling dill with tiny white flowers. The plants are not closely related (though both are native to Southwest Asia) but are compared to one another because the flavoring imparted by their seeds is remarkably similar. This is because both plants contain the organic compound anethole a natural oil that flavors both these plants as well as fennel licorice and basil.

The star used commonly as an herb is the fruit of the Illicium verum. A hollow woody shell shaped like an eight armed star protects large bean like seeds. The fruit is harvested just before it ripens to prevent the release of seeds. Before the fruit matures it is soft and light green with slighty reddish brown tips.

Star anise comes from a small evergreen tree that is native to China. For this reason it s often known as a Chinese anise though it s scientific name is Illicium verum. This tree has spade shaped leaves with a slightly waxy texture and its flowers may be red or white. When farmed it grows to about the size of a large rose bush.

A good substitute for star anise is one which has a similar flavor profile to that of the original spice.While looking for a viable star anise alternative you should keep in mind the kind of dish you are preparing. If you are preparing a clear soup then you need to add just one or two whole star anise while cooking the stock. This is because star anise has a very strong flavor and if you put too much of it into the soup it will overwhelm the other flavors and make the soup too pungent in taste. On the other hand when you are cooking something hearty like a braised pork or beef brisket you need the warm and spicy notes of star anise to lift the flavors of the dish and make it more tasty. Here ground star anise is used that has a more concentrated flavor.