Essential
Star anise is a spice made from the fruit of the Illicium verum plant, a member of the magnolia family.
The fruit is dried and used whole or ground to flavor food. It is often used in Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine, as well as in the production of licorice, chewing gum, and toothpaste.
While star anise does not contain any flowers, it is an important source of shikimic acid, which is used in the manufacture of Tamiflu, a drug used to treat influenza.
Are there fruits of Star Anise?
No, there are no fruits of Star Anise. The plant only produces small, hard seeds that are used for culinary and medicinal purposes.
The seeds have a potent anise flavor that is used in many dishes, including cookies, cakes, and savory dishes. Star Anise is also a key ingredient in the Chinese Five Spice powder.
In addition to its culinary uses, Star Anise is also used in traditional Chinese medicine. It is believed to have warming and digestive properties, and it is often used to treat colds and flu.
Attribution: Alpsdake, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Benefits of Star Anise
Star Anise is a spice that has a wide variety of benefits. Some of these benefits include:
🔹 It can help to improve digestion by stimulating the production of digestive juices.
🔹It can also help to relieve gas and bloating.
🔹It is a good source of antioxidants, which can help to protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.
🔹It can also help to boost the immune system.
🔹It has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce swelling and pain.
