Star Anise

Star Anise (Illicium verum)

General Information

Star anise has been under cultivation since a very long time. It is indigenous to China, North Vietnam and the neighboring countries. Mainland China is currently the largest producer of star anise. Star anise is the dried fruit of a small, evergreen tree that grows up to eight metres. When dry, the fruits assume a starshape with six-eight carpels in a whorl radiating from the tip of a slender stem. Each pointed carpel has a simple, boat - like seed, 1-2 cms long and broad. This tree fruits only when it is about 6 years old, but continues to fruit for almost 100 years thereafter.The fruits are plucked from the tree or shaken off the branches. Propagation is by seeds.

Flavour characteristics

Usage

Star anise is used in foods, beverages and liquors. It is cooked with rice and some curries for its fragrant aroma. It is generally used in Chinese preparation like steamed fish, boiled eggs, meat and Soya sauce. Along with pepper, cinnamon, clove and fennel, star anise forms part of the famous 'Chinese Five - Spice Powder'. The Vietnamese use it for flavouring roasted chicken. The essential oil contains anethole. It is used for flavouring.it is also used in chewing gum, confectionery, soap making and perfumery. In the east, i is used to relieve colic and rheumatism and to flavour cough medicines. A stimulant and diuretic, it helps relieve sore throat. It is also chewed as a mouth refresher.

Producing Region

It is grown in India only on a very small scale.

Exports

Star Anise is not produced in India on a commercial scale

Harvesting Season: September to October

Marketing Season: November to December