**KNOWLEDGE BANK**
Star anise, a fruit from an evergreen tree native to southern China has a sweet and licorice-like
flavor very similar to aniseed (although unrelated). Due to its strong, delightful fragrance, it’s used in dishes with meat, chicken, seafood, vegetarian dishes, baking and in drinks making such as mulled wine.

Check out my recipe for #mulled #sobolo (hibiscus drink), star anise is one of the mulling spices. Although it has such a sweet flavour, it’s used in savory dishes as well. It adds a sweet licorice peppery flavour to dishes that are slow cooked like in soups, stews and braising broths.
Star anise can be used whole or ground. When used whole, it’s removed and discarded before serving the dish.

Star anise contains anethole, the same ingredient that gives the unrelated aniseed its flavor and health benefits. The health benefits of star anise is just wonderful, below are 5 Health benefits:

1 Star anise is rich in antioxidants and vitamin A & C, which help fight free radicals that are responsible for early ageing and diabetes.
2 The oil produced from star anise contains thymol, terpineol and anethole, which is used for treating cough and flu.
3 Star anise also helps improve digestion, alleviate cramps and reduce nausea.
4 Consuming star anise tea after meals helps treat digestive ailments such as bloating, gas, indigestion and constipation. Anise is one of the main ingredients in your favourite masala chai also.
5 Drinking one glass of water infused with the crushed seeds of star anise at night can increase one’s sex drive!

Hmmm, it seems these natural spices do offer a lot indeed! You should not lack in any department if you include these natural spices in your cooking.

Source : Google & India
#aftradvillagekitchen