Star anise cut fruit – Illicium verum

Star anise fruit appears as eight-pointed stars, each containing a shiny seed. Harvested when ripe, star anise is dried and then cut to make it easier to use as a herbal tea or decoction. Widely used in Asia, it is also valued in Europe for its fragrance and traditional digestive qualities.

Description

Dark brown, dry, brittle star-shaped segments with a pronounced aniseed scent. Aroma similar to licorice, slightly peppery. Woody texture, to be prepared as an infusion or ground for culinary preparations.

Nomenclature

• Common names: Star anise, star anise, star anise
• Latin name: Illicium verum
• Family: Schisandraceae
• Part used: Fruit
• Form: Cut, dried
• Origin: China, Vietnam
• English name: Star anise
• German name: Sternanis
• Name in Spanish: Anís estrellado
• Name in Italian: Anice stellato
• Name in Arabic: ينسون نجمي (Yansoun Najmī)

Main virtues

Used as a digestive infusion, to flavor desserts or hot drinks. It is used in the production of liqueurs, syrups and in certain traditional oral care products.

Main constituents

Essential oil (anethole), flavonoids, tannins, shikimic acid (precursor of certain pharmaceutical syntheses).

Use and dosage

• Infusion: 1 to 2 starflowers (chopped) for 250 ml of simmering water, leave to infuse for 10 minutes.
• Decoction: boil the chopped fruit for 5 minutes then let it infuse for 10 minutes.
• Cuisine: to be incorporated into sweet dishes, marinades, aromatic herbal teas or jams.

Precautions, side effects and contraindications

• Not to be confused with Japanese star anise ( Illicium anisatum ), which is toxic.
• Use in moderation in children and pregnant women.
• Keep out of reach of children.

History and origin

Star anise has been known in China for over 2,000 years for its aromatic properties. It was introduced to Europe in the 17th century. Used in infusions and digestive liqueurs, it is also valued for its role in traditional Asian pharmacopoeia.

Miscellaneous information

• Storage: away from humidity, in an opaque, airtight container.
• Packaging: kraft bag, tinted glass jar or metal box.
• Appearance: Cut brown star-shaped segments.
• Smell: aniseed, sweet, warm.

Sources and references

• Pl@ntUse – https://uses.plantnet-project.org
• Traditional Chinese Pharmacopoeia Texts
• History of Spices – Herbalism Library
• Asian phytogastronomy works

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