Description:
Star anise is the star shaped fruit that grows on a tree scientifically called Illicium verum. As the name suggests, the star shape contains anywhere from five to ten pointers, each one holding the seeds. The fruit is picked before it can ripen, and dried. The stars are available whole, or ground to a red-brown powder.
It’s taste is powerful and liquorice-like, more pungent and stronger than anise.
Other common names:
Known as takkolam (Malayalam), nakshatra moggu (Kannada), badian (Marathi), anashuppu (Tamil), Anaspuvu (Telugu), and chakraphool (Hindi) around India.
Features and Details:
• No artificial colours or preservatives
• All our products are natural and directly sourced from homes in which they are cultivated.
• All our products are cleaned and packaged with utmost regard to quality and hygiene.
• We ensure that what is printed on our labels is what is in our product.
• Our first priority is always the health of our customers. Our gratitude is expressed in our quality.
• Consistency in aroma, taste and quality.
Product Information:
Specialty Natural
Ingredient Type Vegetarian
Brand Yay Products India
Manufacturer Yay Products India
Units 100gms
Package Dimensions 7 x5 x4.25 Inches
Country of Origin India
Health Benefits:
• In addition to culinary uses, star anise oil can also be used in aromatherapy to help relieve symptoms of colds and congestion.
• Anti-inflammatory (reducing pain and swelling of muscles and joints—rheumatoid arthritis);
• Decreases body stress (reducing depression and anxiety symptoms);
• Improves sleep;
• Enhances digestion;
• Strong Anti-viral, antibacterial and anti-fungal;
• Promotes healthy skin (good anti-microbial agent);
• Regulates blood pressure and improves circulation;
• Improves bone health;
• Cancer fighting properties.
Nutritional Profile::
This spice is loaded with potent phytonutrients that boost digestion, internal organ health while keeping metabolic-type diseases at bay. Just one tablespoon (7 grams) contains:
• about 22 Calories
• 1.26 grams of Protein
• 3.52 grams of Carbohydrates, about 2 grams of which is Fiber
• no sugar
• 1.12 grams of Fats, big chunk of which are essential monounsaturated (also found in nuts, avocados and seeds) and polyunsaturated fats (omga-3 and omga-6)
Micronutrients in Star Anise:
• vitamin A
• vitamin B1
• vitamin B2
• vitamin B3
• vitamin B5
• vitamin B6
• vitamin C
• calcium (Ca)
• potassium (K)
• phosphorus (P)
• manganese (Mn)
• magnesium (Mg)
• zinc (Zn)
• iron (Fe)
Storage:
Store both whole or ground spice in an air-tight container away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Whole star anise will remain fresh and vibrantly flavored for about one year, whereas the ground spice will begin to lose flavor after about six months. Toasting the ground spice before using sometimes heightens the flavor.
Cooking with Star Anise:
• The whole stars can be added directly to the cooking pot; pieces are variously referred to as segments, points and sections. Otherwise, grind the whole stars as required. Small amounts are used, as the spice is powerful. The spice can’t be eaten whole, so it should be removed before serving.
• In addition to its use in traditional Chinese recipes, star anise is a key ingredient in Vietnamese pho, Indian biryani, spiced chai recipes and garam masala.
• Apart from its use in sweetmeats and confectionery, where sweeteners must be added, it contributes to meat and poultry dishes, combining especially well with pork and duck.
• It is an ingredient of the mixture known as “Chinese Five Spice”.
Safety Profile:
Star anise has been part of traditional medcines for centuries and deemed safe to consume. However, as with anything, a word of caution is warranted when using this spice extensively and/or excessively.
Ensure that you are using Chinese star anise and not Japanese variety. The Japanese type is inedible and poisnous when consumed.
Star anise is a fragrant spice, and some people may be allergic or develop allergies to ingredients responsible for the licorice type aroma and/or tastes