Additionally, there have been case reports of severe, potentially fatal reactions to star anise in infants ( 16). I have been in the same situation, so I am sharing with you my list of go-to substitutes for whole star anise and ground star anise seed. Star anise also makes a great addition to sweet dishes and desserts, such as baked fruit, pies, quick bread and muffins.

So, as with baharat, it is a good alternative for Chinese five-spice if you add a pinch of ground anise or fennel. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to [LaRena Fry] and [LaRena’s Corner] with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. Effectiveness of anise oil for treatment of mild to moderate depression in people with irritable bowel syndrome.With this complex flavor, the Chinese five spice powder gives your savory dishes, sauces, and marinades their much-needed depth of flavor. If you’re looking for a more tradition taste to these, just omit the vanilla sugar and reduce the ground anise by 1/4 or 1/2 teaspoon.

In one 45-day study in diabetic rats, anethole helped reduce high blood sugar by altering levels of several key enzymes. Star anise has a distinct licorice flavor similar to that of anise or fennel, though it’s not related to either of these spices. If you’ve never used this spice in your culinary pursuits before, keep in mind that a little goes a long way. Anise seed is the flavoring for a number of alcoholic beverages, including anisette, ouzo, sambuca, and absinthe. The most valuable component of star anise may lie within its dense supply of flavonoids and polyphenols.But essential oil constituents (components or parts) might reach the unborn fetus and have harmful effects. Additionally, both spices have been used in traditional medicine and as a natural remedy for various ailments.

Light and delicate, these vanilla anise drop cookies are like a cross between meringues and springerle.Ground anise is a widely used spice that is sourced from the anise plant, a green-leaved, small flowering plant. And if you have a spice grinder, using whole spices for your Chinese five-spice substitute is super easy, not to mention utterly delicious. Whole star anise will remain fresh and vibrantly flavored for about one year, whereas the ground spice will begin to lose flavor after about six months. And Lebanese seven-spice is sometimes referred to as baharat, even though baharat can include more than seven ingredients.