Omega Star Aniseed: star-shaped pods with sweet liquorice flavour for pho, biryani, braises and syrups. Single 1 kg pack.
Star anise is a star-shaped dried fruit pod with a strong, sweet liquorice flavour. It is a key part of Chinese five-spice, Vietnamese pho broth, braised beef, soy-braised chicken and Indian biryani and garam masala. One or two whole stars infuse a whole pot of stock or rice; remove them before serving. Star anise also flavours poached pears, syrups, jams and spiced tea. Grind it only when needed, as the powder loses its fragrance quickly. Star anise is the star-shaped fruit of Illicium verum, an evergreen tree native to South China and northeast Vietnam, harvested just before ripening. Keep whole stars in a sealed jar; broken points are still fine to use. In Chinese red-braising, star anise simmers with soy sauce, sugar and cinnamon to flavour chicken and beef.
