BADIANE star anise - eco

Chinese star anise, or star anise, is the fruit of the Chinese star anise (Illicium verum), used as a spice in cooking for its aniseed taste. It thus forms a very characteristic eight-pointed star, hence the common name star anise. The fruits are picked green, before being dried in the sun, where they take on a reddish brown color. Star anise is a spice with a more powerful aroma than green anise and is used in many spice blends, mainly from Asia and South-East Asia. Star anise is very popular in oriental gastronomy. With its rich and pleasantly sweet aroma, it is used to flavor pastries and refine various meat dishes. This aromatic releases a powerful anise scent mixed with notes of pepper, licorice and fennel. Although it is mainly used in sweet recipes, star anise can also enhance broths, meat dishes or marinades. Star anise, like cinnamon, is essential in making a wonderful mulled wine and is used in the making of certain aniseed aperitifs.