Star anise

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Star Anise (Illicium verum)

Star anise (pronunciation: /ˈstɑːr ˈænɪs/) is a spice that is widely used in cooking and traditional medicine. It is the fruit of the Illicium verum, an evergreen tree native to Southwest China and Vietnam.

Etymology

The term "star anise" is derived from the star-shaped pericarps of the fruit. The word "anise" refers to the flavor, which is reminiscent of aniseed (Pimpinella anisum).

Description

Star anise is a medium-sized evergreen tree that can reach up to 15 meters in height. The fruit is a star-shaped capsule consisting of 6-8 carpels arranged around a central axis. Each carpel contains a seed. The fruit is harvested just before it ripens and is then dried to be used as a spice.

Culinary Use

Star anise is a key ingredient in the Chinese spice mixture five-spice powder. It is also used in the preparation of pho, a Vietnamese noodle soup. Its flavor is sweet and spicy, with a strong anise scent.

Medicinal Use

In traditional Chinese medicine, star anise is used to warm the body and treat digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and indigestion. It is also used in the production of Tamiflu, a drug used to treat influenza.

Related Terms

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