Star anise is becoming a popular spice that is used all around the world for many different purposes. However, it is not easy to buy good quality star anise if you don’t know its features and these tips, because there are many fake star anise out there. So in this article, let’s find out the uses, benefits, and useful tips when buying star anise.
What is star anise?
Star anise is a peculiar spice that is indigenous to Vietnam and some provinces in Southern China. It has a shape that looks like a small rusted star. It normally has from 7 to 10 horns with a little seed in the center of each one, which is where the taste is concentrated.
It is often used in Chinese cuisine and has a sweet, strong and liquorice-like flavor, much like anise do. Because of its more and more economic values, there are many fake star anise which is sold floodly on the market.
Uses
Anethole, the same substance that provides the anise that is different plant to star anise its flavor, is present in star anise. That’s the reason why s tar anise has recently become popular in the West as a less more affordable ingredient to anise in baking and the distillation of liqueurs, most notably Galliano. Meat’s flavor is also enhanced with star anise.
For flavoring sweets, liqueurs, and fragrances, the volatile and aromatic essential oil extracted from star anise is often used. Shikimic acid, a key component of the anti-influenza medicine oseltamivir, is derived in large part from star anise in the pharmaceutical sector (Tamiflu).
Alternatives for star anise
Though having very unique flavor, unforturnately, it is not easy to find good quality star anise on the traditional market or even super market when you’re in the West. However, you can use these below spices as an alternative option for star anise because in general, they have quite similar flavor.
Powdered five-spice: Star anise is already included in Chinese five-spice powder, which is easily accessible in the majority of food shops. For each 4 teaspoons of ground star anise that your recipes need, substitute 11 tablespoons of five-spice powder.
Anise: Although both spices include the term “anise,” they are in fact unrelated. In short, star anise is a dried fruit while the anise is a seed, but they have athe same licorice flavour. Because anise seed is considerably milder than star anise, you should use twice as much of it in place of the anise.
Allspice: Although it lacks the licorice aromas and is sweeter than star anise, allspice may be substituted in a pinch. When it is pulverized, it emits fragrant overtones resembling those of cinnamon and cloves.
Buying and Storing Star Anise
It may be found in certain common supermarkets, but Asian traditional markets are usually the best option if you want to buy high-quality star anise.
Search for whole star anise which has no broken points, because this type has premium quality and strongest flavor.
To know whether star anise is fresh, break off a point horn, smash it, and smell it. The scent should be immediately noticeable; if it has faded, it can be stale.
Keep in a cool and dark place in an airtight container. A whole star anise may stay fresh for approximately a year, while broken star anise starts to lose taste after just six months.
Take care to avoid buying fake star anise which has the similar appearance but very toxic and harmful to the health. Therefore it’s important to understand the features of star anise, as well as being alert.
Vietnam is the largest star anise producer and exporter in the world, so you can find the suppliers or products made in Vietnam. Some reputable star anise suppliers in Vietnam you can refer to are K-Agriculture company, Vinasimex, Visimex…
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