Star anise is the seed pod from the fruit of the Illicium verum plant, an evergreen shrub native to Southwest China. The star anise pod, which is shaped like a star (hence its name), has six to eight points, each containing a single seed. Both the seeds and the pod contain the sweet, potent anise flavor. Before it is used as a spice, it is dried, turning it a deep brown or rust color.
Culinary Uses
Star anise is widely used in Indian cuisine where it is a major component of garam masala spice mix. It is used in biryani and masala chai all over the Indian subcontinent. Star anise enhances the flavour of meat. Apart from its use in sweetmeats and confectionery, it combines especially well with meat and poultry. In more liberal amounts, star anise can be notoriously overpowering, but that only reinforces its culinary credentials.
Health Benefits
The spicy seeds are one of the important source of minerals like calcium, iron, copper, potassium, manganese, zinc and magnesium. 100 g dry seeds contain 36.96 mg or 462% daily required levels of iron.Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps control heart rate and blood pressure. The spice also contains good amounts of anti-oxidant vitamins such as vitamin-C and vitamin-A.
How to store
Store star anise in airtight containers, place in cool & dark place. Ground powdered anise should be kept in airtight containers and used as early as possible since it loses its flavor rather quickly. Star anise, on the other hand, has a longer shelf life. Ground star anise should be stored in an airtight container, away from sunlight.
Glossary
Hindi – Anasphal, Badayan, Chakra Phool
Kannada – Chakramaggi
Malayalam – Takkolam
Marathi – Badian
Tamil – Annasi pu, Padiyan
Telugu – Anaspuvu
Urdu – Badyani
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