Where Does Star Anise Come From?
Star anise, also known as Badian, has the scientific name Illicium verum and is native to Southeast Asia, particularly China and Vietnam. The name ba jiao in Chinese means "eight corners" and refers to its star-shaped fruit. Star anise arrived in Europe in the late 16th century via maritime trade routes.
What is Star Anise?
Star anise is the dried fruit of the evergreen tree Illicium verum, which belongs to the family Illiciaceae, a relative of magnolias. The tree grows up to 20 meters tall and produces star-shaped fruits with eight pointed segments. Inside each segment is a small, shiny seed.
How is Star Anise Cultivated?
The tree thrives in tropical to subtropical climates at altitudes of up to 2,000 meters. It is cultivated on plantations in southern China, northern Vietnam, and parts of the Philippines. After about seven years, the trees begin to bear fruit and can live for several decades. Harvesting is done manually, and the unripe fruits are dried in the sun to preserve their aroma and structure.
Taste and Culinary Use
Star anise has an intense, warm aroma with sweet and spicy notes, similar to licorice. The essential oils it contains are released during cooking, making it a popular ingredient in savory and sweet dishes alike.
How to Use Star Anise in the Kitchen
You can use star anise whole or ground. For four servings, 1–2 whole fruits are usually sufficient. It is ideal for long-simmered dishes, as its aroma develops gradually. In Asian cuisines, it is a classic component of Five-Spice Powder, often used with rice wine or soy sauce to marinate meat or flavor broths.
Whole fruits are suitable for preserving and infusing liquids. Ground star anise blends well with sauces, spice mixes, and sweet recipes.
- Soups and broths
- Marinades for poultry and pork
- Fish and seafood
- Root vegetables and pumpkin
- Compotes and jams (e.g., plum jam)
- Syrups and beverages (e.g., anise liqueurs)
Which Spices Pair Well with Star Anise?
Star anise harmonizes well with fennel, coriander, cloves, Ceylon cinnamon, ginger, lemongrass, and pepper varieties. It also complements the umami notes of soy sauce in savory dishes.
Extra Tip: Add star anise to pumpkin, carrot, or leek dishes to give them an aromatic depth.
Storage Information
Store star anise in an airtight container in a cool, dry, and dark place. Proper storage helps preserve its aroma and appearance.
ALLERGENS: Contains CELERY and MUSTARD.
