Star Anise (Thakkolam ) – The Secret ingredient in Indian Cooking – A distinctive flavor in Indian Homes 

Star Anise (Thakkolam ) – The Secret ingredient in Indian Cooking – A distinctive flavor in Indian Homes

Star Anise (Illicium verum) The Secret ingredient in Indian Cooking It is commonly called star anise, star aniseed, or Chinese star.

Star Anise Spice Description (Star Anise Plant and Seeds)

               Star Anise   Spice Description (Star Anise Plant and Seeds) 

Star anise (Illicium verum Hook) is a spice that closely resembles anise in flavor,obtained from the star-shaped pericarp,dark brown pod that contains  a pea-size seed 8 (eight) segments Ten mm(10) long.The shape of the star anise seed is boat,wrinkled and hard. Smooth,brittle,shiny and brown. The small and medium size of this evergreen tree height is reaching upto 26ft. Star anise belongs to Illiciaceae family and Magnoliopsida class. Trees have bisexual flowers and aromatic and evergreen leaves

Star Anise -star Anise Seeds -Star Anise Oil – Uses in Cooking,Medicinal and health  benefits

Star Anise widely used Chinese Cooking,traditional ingredient of 5 spice powder in China and in Indian cuisines it is an important spice in Gram Masala

Star Anise -star Anise Seeds -Star Anise Oil – Uses in Cooking,Medicinal and health benefits

In Medicinal – Health-Nutrition- Benefits of Star Anise -star Anise Seeds -Star Anise Oil

Star Anise Tea is traditional remedy for,cough and cold, ashma,treatment of  rheumatism

Its an excellent source of many essential Vitamin A and Vitamin C

Its seeds chewed after meals helps in digestion

Its great source of minerals potassium,magnesium,zinc etc helps to control blood pressure and heart rate

In Cooking

• It is always added in meat, marinate meat and chicken dishes, to flavour vegetables
• It is a secret ingredient in Indian  curries and  stews
• For flavouring curry pickles, confectioneries, bakery, soft drinks and liquors
• Because of its particular sweetness and  unique flavour it is used in custards, different type desserts, pudding breads and pastries

Star Anise It is always added in meat, marinate meat and chicken dishes, to flavour vegetables and it is a secret ingredient in Indian curries and stews