How İs Anise Grown: Tips On How To Grow Star Anise

The dried fruits of the magnolia-related star anise (Illicium verum) tree are used in a wide variety of foreign cuisines. Even though star anise plants are limited to zones 8 through 10 of the US Department of Agriculture, northern gardeners can still enjoy learning about this interesting and flavorful plant. Star anise has numerous applications in aromatherapy and flavoring. Continue reading to discover how to use this wonderful spice and where to grow star anise.

Star Anise: What is it?

Evergreen trees with a quick growth rate, star anise plants can reach heights of 26 feet (8 meters) on rare occasions, but they typically only reach 10 feet (3 meters) in diameter. The fruit is a spice with a somewhat licorice-like aroma. The fruit of the tree is widely used in local cuisine in southern China and northern Vietnam, where the tree is native. The spice was used whole, powdered, or extracted into oil when it was first brought to Europe in the 17th century.

Their leaves are olive green and lance-shaped, and their soft yellow blooms are shaped like cups. Crushed leaves smell of licorice, but this is not the part of the tree that is used in cooking. When the fruit is underripe, it is green, but when it is ripe, it turns brown and woody, giving it the name “star.” It consists of six to eight carpels, with a seed inside each. When still green, fruits are picked and sun-dried.

Not to be confused with the toxic Japanese plant in the family, Illicium anisatum, Illicium verum is the most widely harvested.

Growing Star Anise: A Guide

Star anise is a great plant to grow alone or as a hedge. It cannot be grown in the north and has no tolerance for frost.

In practically any type of soil, star anise needs full sun to partial shade. Star anise can also be grown in full shade in warmer climates. It requires constant moisture and prefers slightly acidic soil. This plant only needs compost or well-rotted manure as fertilizer.

While it’s not required, pruning can be done to maintain size. However, in order to prevent overmaintenance, star anise must be trimmed and kept small as a fast-growing tree when grown as a hedge. The tree releases a spicy fragrance whenever it is chopped.

Uses of Star Anise

The spice is used in confections as well as meat and poultry dishes. It is one of the primary components of five-spice, a traditional Chinese seasoning. Rich duck and pork dishes go well with the fragrant sweetness. It serves as the primary seasoning for pho broth in Vietnamese cuisine.

In the West, the only applications are usually in preserves and liqueurs with anise flavor, like anisette. Many curry recipes also call for star anise, which is used for both flavor and fragrance.

Thanks to the compound anethole, star anise has ten times the sweetness of sugar. It tastes like licorice with a touch of clove and cinnamon. It is therefore used in cakes and breads. Vanocka, a traditional Czechoslovakian bread, was baked during the holidays.