Star anise Facts
Star anise Facts
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| Interesting Star anise Facts: |
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| Star anise is small tree that can reach 45 feet in height. |
| Star anise has leathery, glossy leaves arranged in clusters of three or more, strongly scented leaves. |
| Star anise produces yellowish-green flowers that consist of 7 to 12 tepals (barely distinguishable petals and sepals). Pleasantly fragrant flowers attract beetles, responsible for the pollination of this plant. |
| Fruit of star anise is star-shaped seedpod. Fruit consists of 6 to 10 pointed segments (usually 8), each one filled with golden-brown seed. Ripe fruit is fleshy. |
| Star anise propagates via seed and cuttings. |
| Scientific name of the plant, Illicium, originates from Latin word "illicio" which means "alluring". Name refers to the pleasant aroma of the fruit. |
| Despite its name, star anise and anise are not genetically related. Both plants contain anethole, substance responsible for the characteristic flavor of these two types of spices. Star anise is slightly bitter and stronger compared to anise and much cheaper. |
| Harvest of star anise takes place from March to May. Immature fruit need to be dried until they become brown and woody. Star anise is rich source of iron and manganese. |
| Star anise can be used whole or ground. It has licorice or anise-like taste, with a tinge of minty and tangy flavor. Star anise is often used as an ingredient of stews and dishes made of meat and beans. Ground star anise is used for the preparation of cookies, cakes and desserts made of fruit. It can be also consumed in the form of tea. |
| Star anise is an important part of Asian cuisine. It is an integral part of spice mixes such as Chinese five-spice powder and Indian garam masala. |
| Star anise is used in the manufacture of various alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Essential oils obtained from star anise are used as flavoring agents of absinthe, anisette, sambuca and ouzo. |
| Essential oils of star anise are used in the cosmetic industry for the manufacture of soaps, perfumes and toothpaste. They are also used in aromatherapy. |
| Star anise is used in treatment of cough, digestive disorders and low libido in males. |
| Star anise is one of the ingredients of Tamiflu, commercially available drug that is used in a treatment of flu. |
| Star anise is perennial plant, which means that it can survive more than 2 years in the wild. |
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