Anise seeds are the seeds of the anise plant (Latin name Pimpinella anisum), which is a flowering annual that’s native to the eastern Mediterranean region and Southwest Asia. (Fun fact: Anise is in the same plant family as parsley, carrots, and celery!) The seeds, whole or ground, taste sweet—but that’s the beginning.
Ground star anise is a main ingredient in Chinese Five-Spice powder and Vietnamese pho. It’s also part of the Port Royal flavor profile – a mixture of chocolate, grapefruit, and star anise. Use this star anise powder as a rub ingredient for roast pork or beef.
Illicium verum is an evergreen tree that grows in Southern China, Laos, and Vietnam. The fruits that come forth from the tiny pink flowers are harvested and dried into the woody, aromatic, and brilliantly pretty spice we call star anise. These Ceylon-colored poinsettias have eight points, each containing a delicate seed looking like a polished bead.
China and India both use the spice for medicinal purposes – mainly to treat indigestion. Often the tiny seeds are chewed or brewed into a tisane. The anethole actually does have the benefit of being able to calm down gastric activity while simultaneously freshening breath.
The spice has been used in Asia for years as an ingredient for braises and stews, particularly those focusing on beef, pork, seafood, winter squash, and beans. However, Western cultures have adopted the spice more for confectionery cooking and baking, as well as for flavoring spirits. Add a few star anise to the poaching liquid for apples or figs. If you plan to candy citrus peel, toss a star anise into the blanching liquid to imbue a licorice fragrance.
Our star anise powder features an intoxicating scent that induces hunger in the kitchen and lust in the bedroom.
Ground Star Anise is also known as anise star or Chinese star anise and the Chinese translation means eight points and whole star anise typically features eight points, but they can also be found with as few as five and as many as twelve points. In addition to the ground Star Anise we also offer the handpicked Star Anise with a minimum of 75% whole stars.
Anise Seed: What Is It and How to Use It
FAQ
Is ground star anise the same as ground anise?
How do I substitute ground anise?
What flavor is ground anise?
What is another name for ground anise?
What is ground anise?
Ground anise is a spice made from the seeds of the anise plant, and it has a pungent licorice flavor popularly used in baking and desserts. It’s also found in the French liqueur called pastis, which is sometimes considered a substitute for absinthe. Anise seeds are whole seeds from the anise plant.
What is the difference between ground anise & anise seed?
It’s impossible to get confused between ground anise and anise seed, but one thing is for sure: Both ground anise and anise seed are common in culinary and pastry applications. Ground anise is a spice made from the seeds of the anise plant, and it has a pungent licorice flavor popularly used in baking and desserts.
What is anise seed used for?
Anise seed is used as a spice, either ground or whole. Anise essential oil and extract are also made from the seeds. The seeds are produced by the Pimpinella anisum plant, which has been cultivated in Egypt, the Middle East, and Europe for many centuries. The seeds are small, brownish-gray, and slightly curved, with an aroma of licorice.
What is an anise plant?
The anise plant is mainly cultivated by its oil and seeds (fruits), which are also called aniseed. Generally, this ancient spice is combined with other spices, like cumin, coriander, cardamom, and parsley, to create a plethora of recipes ranging from sweet to savory.