STAR ANISE, Organic

Our organic single-origin Star Anise Seed entices with its licorice fennel-like flavour and aromatic depth. Harvested from evergreen trees, this spice is central to Vietnamese cuisine and celebrated for its distinctive shape and warming taste. 

Origin: Vietnam

Botanical Name: Illicium Verum

Ideas:

• Cheaters Vietnamese Pho: Star anise is pivotal in creating the authentic flavour of Pho broth. For an easy version at home, gently simmer star anise along with cinnamon and cloves in a store-bought beef or chicken broth. This will infuse it with rich, aromatic flavours typical of Vietnamese cuisine. Serve this fragrant broth with pre-cooked rice noodles and top with slices of cooked beef or chicken, and a handful of fresh herbs like basil and cilantro for a quick and satisfying meal.

• Anise-Scented Stewed Apples: Peel and chop a few apples and place them in a saucepan over medium heat with a couple of star anise pods, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a dash of water. Cover and let simmer until the apples are soft and the sauce is fragrantly infused with star anise. This simple dessert can be served warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.

• Star Anise Chicken Marinade: Create a simple marinade for chicken by mixing olive oil, soy sauce, a touch of honey, and ground star anise. Coat chicken thighs or breasts in this marinade and let them sit for at least an hour (or overnight for deeper flavour). Grill or bake the chicken until it’s cooked through. The star anise adds a subtle sweetness and depth.

• Anise-Flavoured Carrot Soup: Enhance a basic carrot soup with the addition of star anise. Sauté chopped onions and garlic in a pot, add chopped carrots, and cover with vegetable stock. Add a whole star anise pod while it simmers until the carrots are tender. Remove the star anise before blending the soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 

Lucky Spice Flavour Chart:

Heat Level ✹ 0/10 ✹ Star Anise lacks any heat, focusing on its aromatic qualities instead.

Sweet ✹ 7/10 ✹ Its liquorice-like sweetness makes it a favourite in slow-cooked dishes.

Bitter ✹ 2/10 ✹ There's a subtle bitterness which complements its complex profile.

Savoury ✹ 1/10 ✹ Only the faintest savoury notes are present, mostly overshadowed by its sweet character.

Umami ✹ 1/10 ✹ Minimal umami, not a significant player in its flavour arsenal.

Citrus ✹ 0/10 ✹ Lacks any citrus notes, steering clear of any fruity undertones.

Brightness ✹ 3/10 ✹ A mild brightness is apparent, enhancing its versatility in cooking.

Smoky ✹ 0/10 ✹ Star Anise does not impart smoky flavours.

Earthy ✹ 8/10 ✹ Deeply earthy, perfect for rich meats and poultry.

Complexity ✹ 9/10 ✹ Highly complex, contributing nuanced depths to a variety of dishes.