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