Perfectly symmetrical and aesthetically appealing, star anise is a wonderful plant to cultivate. They have leathery, glossy, evergreen leaves grouped in three - or more-flowered clusters. The blooms have 7 to 12 petals each and can be yellowish green tinted with pink or dark crimson. It would look great as a centrepiece on a table or even in a vase of flowers!
Star anise, aka ‘chakra phool’, has a strong scent and flavour which derives from both the leaves and the blossoms of the plant. It has an earthy and delicately sweet palate, and it may be used in a variety of ways of cooking, particularly in Asian dishes. Star anise’s flavour is somewhere among cinnamon, cloves and liquorice… YUM! Besides its beautiful appearance and mouth-watering taste it has a ton of benefits. The active chemicals that have a delightful smell and taste characteristic also have a variety of healing properties. Star anise studies and uses continue to expand, discovering additional advantages, from traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic treatments to current science. Let's take a deeper look at the medicinal properties of this exotically, popular spice. |