Stephanie is currently raising her son on a plant-based diet and hopes to help others who are wanting to do the same. What Does Star Anise Look and Taste Like? Is American cheese considered a high quality cheese, or is it basically just crap? Do your prefer mashed potatoes & gravy, stuffing, or green bean casserole? Star anise is used widely in Chinese cuisine, where it is one of the five spices that go into five spice mix. Anise is used in a number of candies and pastries from around the world. The dominant flavour in Chinese five-spice powder, star anise is also used to flavour alcoholic drinks such as pastis. In the East it is used to combat colic and rheumatism. Star anise are picked unripe and green, before being dried and sold as the small, hard, and brown pods we all know. So, what kinds of food, liquors and candies is this herb in? The pungent, licorice-like aroma makes star anise an integral ingredient in Chinese five spice, where it’s combined with fennel, cinnamon, Szechuan peppercorns and cloves. Anise is a popular herb grown by many people all over the world. Used with brown sugar, berries, and cinnamon, star anise makes porridge an extra-warming and hearty meal. Both the herbs anise and fennel have similar tastes. It has more intense flavour than regular anise, separates star anise from the rest of cooking herbs and spices. Get the best food tips and diet advice every day. So, what is so different about them? This is one of my favorite snacks to eat during the wintertime- it warms you up instantly. It tastes like sweet licorice and instantly makes meals more hearty. In addition to candies and pastries, anise is also used in a wide array of liquors as well. Given its role in Chinese cuisine, I think you’d be crazy not to try star anise out next time you try making Chinese food, especially if it’s on the heartier side. Whole star anise can be a bit tricky to find, and you might need to go to a spice merchant or Asian grocer to get a hold of it. Another difference between these two is that when fennel is considered to be a vegetable. It usually has between 6 to 8 points, each point containing a small seed that is the flavor epicenter. Find out more about how we use your information in our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. Magazine subscription – save 44% and get a cookbook of your choice. The whole spice is an attractive eight-pointed star, but star anise is more often found ground to a powder. Essential oils—for aromatherapy, not consuming orally—can also be purchased in select health and wellness stores or online. You can give your meals an authentic boost with this fantastic ingredient. Star anise has a strong liquorice like taste due to anethole compound found in it. Anise is an herb that’s used in a wide selection of pastries, candies and liquors from all over the world. You’d be surprised how many chain grocery stores now carry star anise as it’s becoming more popular. In the winter, mulled cider is a great spiced holiday cocktail to have in your back pocket. The unrelated plants contain the same flavor compound, a substance called anethole. This post may contain affiliate links. Star Anise’s Taste and Texture. can you be more descriptive? Broken pods are okay too, so if you find them, they may cost less, too. It isn't sweet or sour , or particularly 'spicy' per se despite it being a spice. Like with the herb fennel, these herbs are often times confused with one another. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. In addition to culinary uses, star anise oil can also be used in aromatherapy to help relieve symptoms of colds and congestion, muscular aches and pains, and digestion. 6. In fact, star anise is actually the dried fruit of a tree that is native to China. You can use star anise lots of different ways. Go easy on the ratio of star anise to other spices because it is strong. She holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Arkansas. Learn more about me HERE. We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including medical journals and scientific studies. This makes star anise a great ingredient to use if you want to try making Chinese cuisine with meat substitutes. Cartwright has published several eBooks on craft and garden-related subjects. I’m now raising my own vegan family and helping others do the same. Although this herb is native to both the Southwest Asia in addition to the Mediterranean region, people and companies around the world grow it, sell it and use it as a culinary tool. In fact, star anise is actually the dried fruit of a tree that is native to China. Try licorice, black jelly beans, or even a shot of sambuca. Is it spicy like ginger? You also need to keep the star anise away from moisture, sunlight, and heat. I’m a plant-based diet expert with over 24 years of experience living a vegetarian and vegan lifestyle. It has hundreds of uses and is one of the most popular herbs used by chefs today. Like with the herb fennel, these herbs are often times confused with one another. Your email address will not be published. The question that’s on a lot of people’s mind is, “Does anise taste like licorice?” Yes, the flavor of anise is similar to that of licorice. It is a common flavouring for medicinal teas, cough mixtures and pastilles. Some find that star anise is too powerful- but I think that’s only the case if you go overboard. This pungent spice has a strong flavour and is popular in Chinese cooking. Star anise has a licorice-like aroma and flavor, but it is also warming and earthy, so it plays well with other fall and holiday spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. EatThis.com is part of the AllRecipes Food Group. Star anise is one of the deepest and most complex spices that is readily available at supermarkets. It is one of the key ingredients in Chinese five-spice as well, which you can mix into a stir-fry, use to marinate chicken, or toss with roasted nuts for a simple snack. What does star anise taste like? Ground star anise is usually pretty easy to find in grocery stores if you look in the spice or Asian food aisle.