Definition

1. Noun:
   • A spice: "star anise" refers to the hard, star-shaped, eight-pointed fruit (or the seed within it) of an evergreen tree. It has a strong, sweet licorice or anise flavor and scent. It is used as a spice in cooking, especially in Asian cuisines, and in traditional medicine.
   • A tree: "star anise" can also refer to the small evergreen tree (Illicium verum) native to China and Vietnam that produces this fruit.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Spice):
  • Add one whole star anise to the broth for a warm, aromatic flavor.
  • The recipe calls for ground star anise in the spice mix.
• Noun (Tree):
  • The star anise tree is cultivated extensively in southern China.

Advanced Usage

• Distinction from Anise: While both have a similar licorice flavor, "star anise" is botanically unrelated to the anise seed plant (). They are different spices.
• Medicinal Context: In traditional medicine, "star anise" is often described as a carminative, meaning it is used to relieve gas and digestive discomfort.
  • A tea made from star anise is a traditional remedy for indigestion.

Variants and Related Words

• Chinese star anise: Another common name for the spice, specifying its primary region of origin.
• Illicium verum: The botanical Latin name for the star anise tree.
• Aniseed / Anise seed: A different spice with a similar flavor, from the plant .

Synonyms

• Chinese anise: (A direct synonym for the spice)
• Badian / Badiane: (Names for star anise used in some languages and culinary contexts)

Related Phrases

• Star anise pod: Refers to the whole, star-shaped dried fruit.
  • Remove the star anise pod from the dish before serving.
• Star anise flavor: Describes the characteristic taste.
  • The sauce has a distinct star anise flavor.

Noun

1. anise-scented star-shaped fruit or seed used in Asian cooking and medicine
2. small shrubby tree of Japan and Taiwan; flowers are not fragrant
3. small tree of China and Vietnam bearing anise-scented star-shaped fruit used in food and medicinally as a carminative