Star anise is mainly used in desserts, but the spice is also very popular in Asian cuisine. Star anise convinces with its unique aroma and is also said to help with respiratory and digestive problems.

Star anise: A Christmas spice from Asia

Hardly any other spice is as reminiscent of Christmas as star anise. The spice should not be missing in gingerbread and mulled wine. Otherwise, star anise is rather unknown in Germany. So it is not surprising that star anise is often confused with anise. The spices are both used during the Christmas season, but otherwise have nothing in common. They are also not related botanically.

Star anise is the fruit of the evergreen magnolia tree. The tree reaches a height of up to 20 meters and comes from Asia. After its large yellow flowers have faded, it produces fruit. It consists of eight chambers arranged in a star shape, each containing a seed. Both the hard but aromatic shell and the seeds inside are used as a star anise spice.

The decorative spice comes from China, where it has been considered and revered as a spice and medicinal plant for over 3000 years. Because star anise is so prized, the tree often grows near temples and sacred sites. In addition to China, star anise is now increasingly being cultivated in Southeast Asia, for example in Vietnam.

Star anise as a medicinal plant?

Although star anise and anise are botanically unrelated, they share similar ingredients. These include, among others:
essential oils, mainly anethole
Flavonoids, mainly rutin
saponins
tannins
Star anise has a long tradition as a medicinal plant, especially in Asia. The spice is said to have many positive effects on the body:
A scientific paper from 2013 found that the ingredients have antibacterial and antiviral properties.
Star anise is traditionally used in Asia to treat digestive problems such as flatulence and infant colic.
In addition, the ingredients are said to have an expectorant effect, which is why star anise is also used for chronic coughs and bronchitis.
A 2014 study found that star anise is also effective as a natural pesticide against certain pests.
For its medicinal effects, you can use star anise as an essential oil or make a tea from the spice:
Pour 8 ounces of boiling water over 3 teaspoons of crushed star anise.
Let the tea steep for about 15 minutes. Then you remove the spice parts.
If you have respiratory problems or digestive problems, you can drink three cups of star anise tea a day.

How to use star anise in the kitchen

Star anise has a particularly intense aroma that is characterized by its natural sweetness and subtle spiciness. It is best to buy whole stars and grind them into a fine powder yourself with a mortar and pestle just before use.

You can use the whole stars in a dark and dry place for up to three years without any problems. Ready-ground star anise quickly loses its taste and cannot be stored for so long.

Star anise can be used in many ways in the kitchen:
The sweet taste is reminiscent of Christmas and is therefore ideal for desserts. Especially in biscuits or cakes, the aroma gives a special touch.
Star anise is also suitable for refining drinks such as cocoa or coffee. The spice should not be missing in chai tea.
Star anise also rounds off fruity creations such as compote. The spice goes particularly well with plums, apples or pears.
In Asian cuisine, star anise is mostly used for savory dishes. The aromatic spice refines meat and fish dishes and is an integral part of curry powder and five-spice powder.