Star anise is also called star anise, and in culinary recipes both of these spices are considered interchangeable. Many people believe that star anise and star anise are one and the same thing, but in fact they are not. This article provides a description and benefits of each of these crops, the main differences between them and recommendations for using these spices.

Description and features of crops

To establish the differences between these plants, you must first study the botanical description of these crops. The main differences between anise and anise are the appearance and various characteristics of plants, as well as the territory of their growth.

Did you know? Aromatic oil is made from anise seeds, which effectively repels mosquitoes.

Star anise

The natural territory for the cultivation of star anise is North America, Indochina and Southeast Asia. Here this tree grows in a hot climate and can form real thickets.

Description of star anise:

1. The height of the tree reaches 10 m, and its spreading branches and dark green leathery leaves of a lanceolate form form a magnificent pyramidal crown.
2. The length of the leaves can reach 9 cm, and when they are rubbed, a light and fresh aroma is felt.
3. The tree blooms only 5 years after planting. Inflorescences are composed of delicate flowers with many white or light yellow petals.
4. The fruits are brown in color and become stiff as they ripen. You can collect them only 15 years after planting.
5. Inside each fruit are seeds, which are often used in cooking and medicine as a sweet and fresh flavor.
6. Propagation of the plant occurs with the help of seeds - they scatter around the tree after the fruits ripen.

Anise

Unlike star anise, anise can be found throughout Russia, Europe and North America. It smells a bit like fennel in smell. This plant tolerates temperature extremes and can grow in any climate.

Plant characteristics:

1. Anise belongs to annual herbaceous plants, and its height of its direct stem does not exceed 70 cm. The surface of the stem of the plant is covered with a small fluff.
2. The shape of the leaves depends on their location. The lower leaves are kidney-shaped with serrated edges, the middle ones consist of three wedge-shaped parts, and the upper ones are divided into 3-5 linear segments.
3. Anise roots go deep into the ground, and the top of the stem is decorated with an inflorescence in the form of a complex umbrella, which makes it a bit like dill.
4. The flowering period falls in June and early July. Inflorescences umbrellas consist of small, nondescript white flowers.
5. The fruits have an elongated shape, and their length is about 4 mm. This culture begins to bear fruit in August.
6. Anise is propagated by seeds, which are scattered on the ground around the plant as a result of cracking of ripened fruits.

Did you know? In Europe, anise is widely used to make aniseed vodka, which has a special taste.

What is the difference between star anise and anise

In cooking, star anise and anise are considered interchangeable spices, as they give the finished dish the same taste and aroma. But when used for medical purposes, they can not always be considered analogues - these spices have differences in chemical composition. In addition, they noticeably differ from each other externally and have certain features in use.

Appearance

When considering, you can notice the characteristic external differences between the fruits and seeds of star anise and anise. Both spices are characterized by sweetish notes of taste and a pleasant fresh aroma, but the aniseed taste is more saturated, and the anise has a more persistent smell.

Description of the appearance of fruits and seeds of anise:

• the fruits are ovoid in shape and painted in a gray-brown color;
• each fruit contains 2 seeds;
• seeds are small and oblong, a bit like caraway seeds;
• the surface of the seeds is dark green.

Features of the appearance of fruits and seeds of star anise:

• brown fruits consist of 8-12 leaflets, which are boat-shaped and arranged around an axis in the shape of a star;
• each fruit contains 8–12 seeds (1 in each leaflet);
• seeds are small and round;
• the surface of the seeds is hard and shiny, brown.

Chemical composition

The similarity of tastes and medicinal properties of these spices is explained by the fact that each of them contains anethole - one of the main ingredients of essential oils. It is the cause of the sweet taste and refreshing aroma of both seasonings, and also explains their therapeutic effect on the human body. But when comparing the chemical composition and nutritional value of these spices, some differences between them become noticeable.

The caloric content of star anise is 337 kcal per 100 g.

Did you know? In the Caucasus, you can often find wild star anise, which has a sharp unpleasant odor and is poisonous to humans.

Nutritional value of the product:

• proteins - 18 g;
• fats - 16 g;
• carbohydrates - 50 g;
• dietary fiber - 0 g;
• water - 0 g.

The composition of star anise also includes such components:

• vitamins (A, B1, B2, B5, B6, B9, C and PP);
• trace elements (selenium, iron, zinc, manganese, copper);
• macrocells (potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus);
• saturated fatty acids;
• mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Anise has the same calorie content as star anise, but contains less carbohydrates.

Nutritional value of spices:

• proteins - 17.6 g;
• fats - 15.9 g;
• carbohydrates - 35.4 g;
• dietary fiber - 14.6 g;
• water - 9.54 g.

Features of the chemical composition of anise:

• vitamins (A, B1, B2, B5, B6, B9, C and PP);
• trace elements (iron, manganese, copper, selenium, zinc);
• macroelements (potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus);
• saturated fatty acids;
• mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids (Omega-9 and Omega-6).

Application

Star anise and anise are widely used in medicine and cooking, but have some differences in use. They are due to the fact that each spice has its own special properties and affects the human body in different ways.

The main differences in the use of these products:

1. The main part of the beneficial properties of star anise is concentrated in its root, and the seeds contain much less beneficial substances. Anise can only use seeds.
2. Medicines from anise have a milder effect on the body, and star anise has a more powerful effect on humans and has serious contraindications.
3. In cooking, anise is most often used, since it has a pleasant taste and aroma, and the taste of anise star can change during the heat treatment of the dish.

Important! Means with star anise and anise should not be consumed during pregnancy, as they can cause a miscarriage. It is not recommended to give them to people prone to allergies.

Star anise is widely used for such purposes:

• treatment of kidney and bladder diseases;
• reduction of sore throat during diseases of the upper respiratory tract;
• a decrease in body temperature during fever due to excessive sweating;
• stimulation of the digestive system;
• liquefaction and easy removal of sputum from the bronchi during coughing;
• getting rid of parasites living inside the human body;
• cooking fragrant soups, broths and marinades;
• improving the taste and aroma of sweet pastries, preserves.

Anise is often used for such purposes:

• treatment of intestinal disorders and painful stomach cramps;
• elimination of cough during colds;
• normalization of the menstrual cycle in women;
• relief of nervous tension and the fight against insomnia;
• elimination of inflammatory processes in the eyes;
• cooking aromatic marinades, meat dishes and side dishes;
• gourmet baking;
• production of fragrances for cosmetics and personal care products.

Origin

Star anise was first used in Asia. It was added as a spice during the preparation of various dishes, and was also used to create medicinal potions. This spice was not brought into Europe immediately, but it quickly gained popularity and became a very expensive seasoning. In Russia, it began to be used from the 16th century for the preparation of sweet fragrant baked goods and cough medicines.

Anise was known in ancient Egypt and was widely used for the manufacture of essential oils. It had healing properties, beneficially affecting the digestive system. Many superstitions were associated with the seeds of the plant; powerful anti-aging properties were attributed to them. In Russia, plantations of this crop first appeared in the nineteenth century, and then the culture became widespread and began to be grown for export to other countries.

What is more useful?

Both anise and star anise can have a beneficial effect on the body, if used correctly. Therefore, it is impossible to answer unequivocally which of these two spices is more useful. Each of them can be used to treat certain diseases, but only after consulting with your doctor. In cooking, the choice between these two spices is carried out depending on what taste characteristics the cook wants to endow with a particular dish.

Important! When using these spices in cooking, you must clearly observe the proportions indicated in the recipe. Excess of these seasonings will lead to an unpleasant bitter taste of the dish.

Cooking recommendations

Star anise and anise are sweet spices that are widely used in cooking.

The way they are used depends on what dish you need to cook:

1. During baking, anise is used to sprinkle the finished product, and anise seeds are ground and added to the dough.
2. To get tasty canned stewed fruit and juices, just put a couple of star anise stars in each jar.
3. When preparing fish and meat dishes, it is recommended to use ground anise seeds in combination with coriander and bay leaves.
4. In jam, you can add a little ground star anise 15 minutes before the end of cooking.
5. To enhance the aroma of vegetable stews, anise seeds are placed in them a few minutes before being cooked.
6. Meat dishes can be sprinkled with ground star anise at the end of cooking.
7. To give a unique aroma to pastries from whole grain and rye flour, anise, fennel and caraway seeds are added to the dough.
8. Best of all, the taste of star anise is combined with onions, garlic and pepper.
9. During the preparation of canned vegetable preparations, anise seeds are laid on top in a jar for a more intense flavor.
10. To prepare aromatic tea or coffee, you can add a small star anise star while brewing a drink.

For medical purposes, healing decoctions and infusions are prepared from the seeds of these plants, pouring boiling water over the spices. For compresses, essential oils from these plants are sometimes used, which are mixed with other ingredients according to recipes.

So, star anise and anise are completely different plants, but have many common beneficial properties. Having studied the chemical composition of each of these spices and using recommendations for their use, you can cook a lot of delicious and fragrant dishes, as well as enrich your body with useful substances.