Star Anise
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Star anise is a star-shaped spice commonly used in Asian cooking
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Also known as illicium verum, it is a star shaped fruit from an evergreen tree that is native to China and harvested from March to May
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It is very popular and is one of the spices in Chinese “five-spice powder” and in Pho vietnamese soup
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Similar to its cousin anise, the star anise has a strong licorice flavour and only a few are needed to spice an entire pot of soup
How do I prepare it?
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These is no preparation required for this dried spice
Where can I buy this?
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Star anise is a moderately priced spice and can be purchased in most Asian grocery stores and some Western supermarkets
Any substitutes?
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Anise seeds / oil
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Fennel seeds
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Licorice
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Chinese five-spice powder
Any benefits?
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Star anise has been used in a tea as a remedy for colic and rheumatism
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The seeds are sometimes chewed after meals to aid digestion
Any precautions?
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Chinese star anise should not be mistaken with Japanese star anise which is highly toxic and may cause severe inflammation of the kidneys, urinary tract and digestive organs
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Some parents believe star anise to be a remedy for colic is children. However, there are studies disputing this who claim it is actually dangerous for children.
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