Spice
Star Anise
Star anise is the star-shaped fruit of Illicium verum, with a strong liquorice-anise aroma from anethole. Essential to Chinese five-spice, pho broths, and braises; also used whole in mulled drinks. Distinct from anise seed (Pimpinella). Broken points still flavour well; grind only as needed.
Also known as: Bajiao, Hồi
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Breeds & varieties
A sample of named types with their own origin and culinary profiles.
Characteristics
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Nutrition and pairings
Nutrition
Typical values per 100 g edible portion. Nutrient names open the reference page.
Nutrition Facts
Per 100 g edible portion
Amount per 100 g
- Total Fat 9.78 g
- Saturated Fat 1.96 g
- Trans Fat 0 g
- Monounsaturated Fat 2.93 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat 4.89 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Sodium 40.5 mg
- Salt 0.11 g
- Total Carbohydrate 65 g
- Dietary Fibre 25 g
- Total Sugars 3 g
- Complex / starch 14.9 g
- Protein 12.3 g
- Water 9.23 g
- Energy 397 kcal
- Water 9.23 g
- Carbohydrates 65 g
- Sugars 3 g
- Monosaccharides 3.68 g
- Disaccharides 1.58 g
- Starch 14.9 g
- Amylose 3.72 g
- Amylopectin 11.2 g
- Digestible Starch 12.7 g
- Resistant Starch 1.49 g
- Fibre 25 g
- Soluble Fibre 8.45 g
- Insoluble Fibre 15.7 g
- Protein 12.3 g
- Plant Protein 9.98 g
- Fat 9.78 g
- Saturated Fat 1.96 g
- Monounsaturated Fat 2.93 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat 4.89 g
- Vitamins 99.5 mg
- Vitamin A 20 µg
- Vitamin B1 — Thiamine 0.11 mg
- Vitamin B2 — Riboflavin 0.16 mg
- Vitamin B3 — Niacin 2.08 mg
- Vitamin B5 — Pantothenic Acid 0.52 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.31 mg
- Vitamin B7 — Biotin 3 µg
- Vitamin B9 — Folate 40.1 µg
- Vitamin C 2 mg
- Vitamin E 1.97 mg
- Vitamin K 29.2 µg
- Minerals 357 mg
- Major Minerals 351 mg
- Trace Minerals 6.4 mg
- Salt 0.11 g
- Sodium Chloride 0.11 g
Vitamins
vitamin-c: 2 · vitamin-a: 20 · vitamin-b1-thiamine: 0.11 · vitamin-b2-riboflavin: 0.16 · vitamin-b3-niacin: 2.08 · vitamin-b5-pantothenic-acid: 0.52 · vitamin-b6: 0.31 · vitamin-b7-biotin: 3 · vitamin-b9-folate: 40.1 · vitamin-e: 1.97 · vitamin-k: 29.2 ·
Minerals
Sodium: 40.5 · Potassium: 245 · Calcium: 65 · Iron: 1 · Zinc: 0.4 · Iodine: 5 ·
Dried spices are concentrated plant tissue—fibre-heavy by weight, used in gram doses.
History
Star anise was used in southern Chinese cookery and traditional preparations.
Maritime trade carried star anise into European apothecaries and kitchens.
Vietnamese and Chinese highland production supplied expanding global demand.
Star anise became standard in Chinese five-spice and industrial anethole production.