Star anise

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ORIGIN

Growing mainly in tropical regions, the star anise flower originates from south-west China, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. Its scientific name is Illicium Verum.

Note: Chinese star anise (edible) should not be confused with Japanese star anise, which is poisonous. The latter, whose botanical name is Illicium Anisatum, produces smaller, less fragrant and inedible fruit.

Star anise was introduced to Europe by the explorer and writer Marco Polo between the 13th and 14th centuries. The spice was considered rare and expensive in the Middle Ages and was essentially only used in phytotherapy.

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CULTIVATION METHOD

Star anise, which reaches about 10m in height, grows in clay and schistose soils, in areas with a hot and humid climate.

The tree blooms from April to June and star anise is usually harvested twice a year: in spring and autumn. A tree can produce up to 60kg of fruit over a century.

The fruit is harvested when green before being dried in the sun, where it takes on a reddish-brown colour. It looks like a star with eight protective envelopes, each containing a shiny seed. Hence the name star anise.

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HOW TO USE IT WHEN COOKING

Star anise has a strong flavour with peppery notes and a hint of sweetness. Star anise goes great with other spices such as cinnamon, pepper, clove and ginger.

Star anise is used in various forms: infused whole, broken into pieces or ground straight onto food. It can be used in both savoury (pork, duck, etc.) and sweet dishes (pastries, etc.).

A key ingredient in Asian cuisine, it adds great flavour to meat and fish. The star anise flower can also be infused in tea and coffee. Star anise is used in Europe to make ouzo and pastis. In Moroccan cuisine, it is mixed with spices in Ras el Hanout and used in savoury biscuits often served with mint tea.

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Products

Find our ranges of products under different packaging, as well as our points of sale. Whole or ground, you will find the right product for your use.

Whole star anise

Produit Spigol
Sachet de 40g

Our packets are convenient; they are resealable, enabling excellent preservation of the product and its quality.

A key ingredient in Asian cuisine, star anise flavours pork, duck and fish.

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Whole star anise


Our product is whole and is used mainly for slow-cooked dishes with a long infusion time. It is sold in a packet, enabling excellent preservation of the product and its quality.

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