Star anise
A pronounced liquorice and aniseed aroma. A small piece can flavour an entire sauce.
AI-generated illustration.
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What is it?
Star anise is the star-shaped fruit of Illicium verum. Here we use a purchased food-grade spice.
«A pronounced liquorice and aniseed aroma. A small piece can flavour an entire sauce.»
Background
Whole star anise is easy to recognise and remove. Powder needs more cautious measuring because it remains in the dish.
Flavour profile
A pronounced liquorice and aniseed aroma. A small piece can flavour an entire sauce.
Pairs well with
Stock, braised meat dishes and spiced fruit desserts. Give the flavour a clear role.
Let a small piece infuse in the liquid and taste along the way. Remove when you reach the desired level.
Did you know?
The star is a fruit structure. Its shape helps identify the ingredient, but buy it as a food spice.
Common mistakes
A whole star can be too much for a small sauce. More time can also produce a more intense flavour.
Know the difference
Star anise and aniseed have a similar flavour direction but come from different plants.
A little spice knowledge
A small part of a star may be enough for a trial. Do not count stars without considering the size of the pot.
Works well with
Ginger, cinnamon, black pepper and citrus zest.
Sapidus’ favourite partners
Try a little in a small portion of stock before using it in a large meat stew.
Never combine with?
Delicate sauces can quickly become too liquorice-heavy. Hold back other anise-flavoured seasonings on the first attempt.
Storage
Store tightly closed, dark and dry, away from cooker steam. Smell before use and buy an amount suited to your consumption. Follow the packaging advice for fresh or processed products.
Try it yourself
Let a small piece infuse in warm apple juice. Compare with plain juice and remove the piece before serving. This suggestion is not presented as a test carried out by Sapidus.
1 claims linked to sources.
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