Like all of the ethnic groups, the Chinese had an influence in Guyanese, traditions, food and culture. Evidence of this is in our cuisine, for example the use of Star Anise. This Chinese herb and spice is found in the Chinese Five-Spice powder that many Guyanese use in cooking. It is ground into a fine powder and added to curries and stews or mixed into masalas. It is also added to many Indian dishes. The scientific name for Star Anise is Illicium verum but the plant is known by several other names such as aniseed, staranise, star anise seed, Chinese star anise, or badian.
Star Anise – Photo By THOR – Star Anise Series, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=29843670
Origin of Star Anise
Star Anise is native to Southern China and Northern Vietnam but it is also grown some parts of the tropics and subtropics. It is cultivated in Laos, Indo-China, Japan and to a small extent in India where it is also widely used in food.
What is Star Anise?
Anise or locally known as “aniseed” is a herb and a spice. The fruits of Illicium verum are made into the spice used to flavour foods. The spice got its name from the star shaped pods in which the seeds are grown. It has about even to eight points, each containing one seed. These are all dried until they turn into a rust or dark brown colour.
Interesting Tips
- Star Anise Illicium verum should not be confused with the Japanese star anise or Illicium anistatum, which is high toxic and used as an incense.
- The Star Anise pods are similar to the Spanish anise however they are unrelated.
Nutrition Facts of Star Anise
One pod approximately 0.2 g of Star Anise contains 0.7 g of Calories, 0 g of Fat, 0 mg Sodium, Carbohydrates 0 g Fibre, Sugars 0 g and 0 g Protein.
Top 6 Health Benefits of Star Anise
Star Anise has several powerful bioactive compounds found in it which contributes to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. These compounds include Linalool, Quercetin, Anethole, Shikimic acid, Gallic acid and Limonene which also produce the unique flavour of the spice.
- Aids in Digestion – Drinking Star Anise tea can improve digestion, by treating bloating, cramps gas, indigestion, constipation and reduce nausea.
-
Antifungal Benefits – Star Anise may stop the growth of pathogenic fungi in certain food crops.
- Antibacterial Properties – Studies have shown that extracts from Star Anise are effective against multiple drug-resistant pathogenic bacteria, which cause a wide range of infections including urinary tract and ear infections.
- Rich in Antioxidants – This spice contains a lot of antioxidants which work to protect against the formation of harmful free radicals in the body. An antioxidant-rich diet can also prevent chronic diseases by combating oxidative stress and may also be effective against cancer cells.
- Fights the Cold and Flu -Drinking a tea made with Star Anise can help treat sore throats and other symptoms of the colds since it is rich in Vitamins A and C. In addition, its antiviral and antibacterial properties help to prevent the flu among other viral infections.
- Regulates Blood sugar -Star Anise can help to normalize the sugar content of blood in the body.
Uses of Star Anise
- Star Anise is a key ingredient to the Chinese Five Spice powder that many Guyanese use in their cooking, especially in fried rice. The Chinese Five Spice is even manufactured right here in Guyana.
- It is also a cornerstone in Chinese cooking and used to season roast meat like ducks.
- In the Indian cuisine, the ground Star Anise is added to garam masala (an Indian spice mix), dishes and even drinks like tea and some liquor.
- While the entire pods can be used in cooking, they cannot be eaten. Instead, they are simmered in soups, marinades and sauces before serving.
- This spice has a similar licorice flavour that is used to add flavour to soups, stews and alcohol.
- The essential oil of Star Anise can be used to flavour perfumes, liqueurs like anisette and even candies.
- Star Anise is a major source of shikimic acid, which is used in the anti-influenza drug oseltamivir.
- The spice is also used in baking bread and cakes.
About Star Anise
Star Anise is one of the key ingredient to the Chinese Five Spice that Guyanese use to add a little more kick to our dishes. While is ground spice is typically used to season meats like duck and pork, the pods are boiled in stews and soups. Like other spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, Star Anise is can be used in many ways to elevate your dishes. Simply add a dash of flavour in your dishes the next time you’re in the kitchen!
Article References
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illicium_verum
- https://www.thespruceeats.com/what-is-star-anise-1328525
- https://specialtyproduce.com/produce/Star_Anise_6144.php
- https://www.britannica.com/plant/star-anise
- https://www.verywellfit.com/star-anise-nutrition-facts-4684102
- https://dupischai.com/star-anise-health-benefits/
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/star-anise/growing-star-anise.htm
- https://www.indianspices.com/spice-catalog/star-anise.html
- https://draxe.com/nutrition/star-anise/
- https://www.indiatoday.in/lifestyle/wellness/story/cure-winter-cough-cold-cinnamon-star-anise-turmeric-pepper-cloves-lifest-1106258-2017-12-13
- https://www.stabroeknews.com/2012/02/25/the-scene/tastes-like-home/chinese-five-spice-powder/
