Star Anise

Specification

Form	Star-shaped with eight arms.
Color	Dark brown or rust-red.
Flavor	Sweet, licorice-like, and slightly spicy.
Use	Culinary spice, especially in Asian dishes and spice blends.
Botanical Name	Illicium verum.
Aroma	Aromatic, with a strong licorice scent.
Storage	Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to preserve flavor and aroma.

Introduction

Star anise is the product of a petite oriental tree, characterized by its distinctive star-shaped appearance with five to ten boat-shaped segments, each housing the precious seed pods. These star anise trees are known for their modest size, compact structure, and aesthetic charm. Their flavor carries a delightful hint of licorice, often leading to confusion with the similarly named but unrelated spice, anise. Globally, numerous countries engage in the export of star anise. This versatile spice not only features prominently in a variety of international cuisines but also boasts medicinal properties. Consequently, the export of star anise from India is experiencing a notable surge in demand.