General Description

Originating in Vietnam and Southwest China, Star Anise has grown to be a popular substitute for the unrelated Anise. The Star Anise Fruit is a dry, star shaped structure with around eight elliptical leaves. The flavour of these leaves can be described as slightly spicy, slightly sweet, pungent and very aromatic.

Use Cases

In the commercial liquor industry Star Anise has been used in the production of the liqueur Galliano. It can also be used as a replacement ingredient in the production of absinthe, which traditionally used green anise as flavouring.

In the culinary world Anise is also widely used as a spice in Italian, Indian and Mexican dishes. Anise is also widely used as a flavouring in sweets.

Additional information (If applicable)

Anise and Star Anise are not related, however the plants to carry very similar flavour profiles. Illicium verum is the Star Anise that we’re accustomed to and is non toxic, however other related species such as Japanese Illicium anisatum are highly toxic.

§                     Storage

Keep packet sealed/closed tightly after opening, keep in a cool, dry place and away from pests.

§                     Shelf life

These are dried ingredients and should not spoil in any reasonable time frame provided storage conditions are met, however some flavour and viability may be lost over long periods (Several months) of storage.