STAR ANISE

Star Anise – Ilicium Verum – is a medium-sized native Evergreen tree of Northeast Vietnam and Southwest China. Star Anise is indigenous to South Eastern China. Commercial Production is limited to China and Vietnam. In India, it is Produced to a small extent in Arunachal Pradesh. This Spice is commonly called Star Anise, Star Aniseed, Chinese Star Anise or Badian. Star Anise is the unusual Fruit of a Small Oriental Tree. It is, as the name suggests, Star Shaped, Radiating between Five and Ten pointed Boat-Shaped sections, about Eight on average. These hard sections are Seed Pods.

ORIGIN AND DISTRIBUTION

Star Anise is indigenous to South Eastern China. Commercial production is limited to China and Vietnam. In India, it is produced to a small extent in Arunachal Pradesh. The crop requires specific agro climatic conditions available only in the traditional growing areas, which has prevented repeated attempts of other countries to grow star anise. However it prefers woodlands, sunny edges, and dappled shade. The plant grows well in humus rich, mildly acidic to neutral soils, which are light to medium and having good drainage. It tolerates temperatures down to –10 degree C.

USES

Star anise is one of the signature flavours of Chinese savory cooking. The five-spice powder mix common in China contains star anise. It is used to flavour vegetables, meat, and to marinate meat. It is used as a condiment for flavouring curries, confectionaries, spirits, and for pickling. It is also used in perfumery. The essential oil of star anise is used to flavour soft drinks, bakery products and liquors. The fruit is anti-bacterial, carminative, diuretic and stomachic. It is considered useful in flatulence and spasmodic.