We get this question quite often: "what is the difference between anise seed and star anise?" Not surprising, since they look very similar. There are also stories that both anise seed and star anise are good for your health. But what exactly does that mean? To clear up these uncertainties once and for all we wrote this blog so you know exactly what the difference is and how they contribute to a healthy life.
First we tell you what anise seed and star anise are. Then we show the main differences one by one. We do the same with the health benefits. Finally, we go into how you can use both spices in your dishes so you can start right away. (One of these recipes might even be our favorite dish…) Let’s begin!
What is anise seed? And what is star anise?
Anise seed grows on the plant of the same name, which reaches about half a meter in height and originally comes from the Middle East. The seeds of this plant are the anise seeds you know as the spice. Anise seed is known for its distinctive flavor, which gives the characteristic taste to rusks with sprinkles and pepernoten. Well-known drinks like sambuca and raki are also flavored with anise seed.
Want to get started with anise seed? Check out our anise seed on naturalspices.nl.
Where anise seed comes from a plant, the characteristic stars we call star anise come from a tree. This can grow up to about 20 meters high, is mainly found in Asia and is today cultivated in Cambodia and Laos. While the distinctive flavor of anise seed is in the seeds themselves, the flavoring agent of star anise is the shell that contains the seeds. Also, the flavor is slightly different from anise seed. Star anise is often used to flavor Asian stews and soups — the stars themselves are not really edible, but they do impart a delicious flavor. In terms of use you could compare it to bay leaf. Star anise is also one of the five spices in five-spice powder and the main flavoring in pho, the well-known Vietnamese noodle soup.
Ready to cook with star anise? Order our premium star anise on naturalspices.nl.
What is anise seed good for? And is star anise healthy?
In the Middle East, where anise seed originally comes from, people have chewed anise seed after meals for generations to help digestion. In addition, anise seed was used by Native Americans against flatulence. They incorporated it into their dishes and used it to make tea.
Nowadays you can also find anise oil in many health food shops and superfood stores. This oil is said to also help against flatulence, while using this oil helps prevent muscle cramping. This is because anise seed contains many vitamins and minerals, the most important of which is vitamin B6. This vitamin is important for the production of red blood cells and helps with metabolism.
Although eating anise seed can therefore be good for you, star anise is also very healthy! It works well against flu and colds because it has anti-inflammatory properties, helps loosen mucus and has antiviral effects. With star anise, ginger and cinnamon you can make a delicious tea that keeps you healthy through the winter. And not only does this work well against colds and flu, it also freshens your breath.
Is star anise the same as anise seed?
On the question of whether star anise is the same as anise seed we can be brief: no. Here are the main differences listed:
- Origin: Anise seed grows on a plant (Middle East), star anise grows on a tree (Southeast Asia).
- Flavor source: With anise seed the seed itself provides the flavor; with star anise it is the shell that contains the seed.
- Use: Anise seed promotes digestion and helps against flatulence and cramps; star anise works better as a remedy for flu and colds.
- Flavor intensity: Although the taste is similar, star anise has a slightly more intense flavor than anise seed.
What can you use these spices in?
Now that you know the difference, you might have ideas about how to use the spices in the kitchen. Below we go deeper into two delicious dishes.
A feast for anyone who loves spices: Shakshuka
First shakshuka — perhaps one of our favorite dishes. Why? You can vary endlessly with the spices, any vegetable you have left in the fridge can go in it and it is both tasty and healthy! This dish, essentially poached eggs in tomato sauce, originally comes from Tunisia, but you can find it across North Africa and the Middle East.
The spice mix (make a larger amount right away!):
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
- 1 teaspoon anise seed
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika powder
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Preparation: Sauté one finely chopped onion and 3 cloves of garlic in a large frying pan. Add the spice mix and let it fry for about a minute so the spices release their aroma. Then add 1 can of diced tomatoes and let simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper. Make wells in the sauce, crack the eggs into them and poach them for 5 to 7 minutes over low heat with a lid on the pan — until the whites are set but the yolks are still soft. Garnish with parsley and feta and serve with fresh bread and Greek yogurt. Enjoy!
The famous noodle soup from Vietnam: Pho
Star anise is the key flavor in a healthy and flavorful Vietnamese pho. In this recipe you make the broth yourself — a gamechanger!
For the broth (3–5 liters):
- 1 halved, unpeeled onion (roasted)
- 1 piece of ginger the size of a thumb (roasted)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3 cloves
- 3 star anise
- 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
Preparation: Roast the onion and ginger under the grill or in a frying pan. Put 3 to 5 liters of water in a large pot and add all the ingredients. Let simmer for at least 45 minutes (the longer, the better!). Season with salt and pepper, strain the broth and serve over cooked rice noodles. Garnish to taste with thinly sliced spring onion, coriander, Thai basil, bean sprouts and lime wedges. Simple but so flavorful!
Both lovely in their own way
Although the taste is similar, anise seed and star anise are really two different spices each with their own characteristics and applications. Anise seed is good for digestion, while star anise excels as a remedy for colds. Use anise seed fine in a spice mix; you’d rather steep star anise in tea or broth.
Order both spices easily and quickly from Natural Spices and discover the difference in the kitchen yourself. Bon appétit!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I replace anise seed with star anise in a recipe?
In some cases yes, but it is not ideal. Both spices have a similar licorice-like flavor, but star anise is more intense. If you replace anise seed with star anise, use a smaller amount. Also keep in mind that star anise releases its flavor best when cooked slowly (in soups or broths), while anise seed also works well in dry spice mixes and baked goods. Want to always make the right choice? Order both at naturalspices.nl so you always have them on hand.
2. How much anise seed or star anise should I use per recipe?
For anise seed, 1 teaspoon per 4 people is a good guideline for most recipes. Use star anise per piece (star) — for a broth of 3 to 5 liters, 2 to 3 stars are sufficient. Both spices are potent in flavor, so always start with a small amount and adjust to taste. See our range at naturalspices.nl for more usage tips.
3. How do I best store anise seed and star anise?
Store both spices in a dry, dark and cool place — a well-sealed jar in a kitchen cabinet away from heat sources works fine. That way they retain their taste and aroma the longest. Anise seed stays good for up to 3 years; star anise even a little longer. Our spices at naturalspices.nl are delivered in handy resealable packages for optimal freshness.
4. Is star anise safe for children and pregnant women?
Star anise in small amounts as a kitchen spice is generally safe. Note though: there is also Japanese star anise (Illicium anisatum), which is poisonous and not suitable for consumption. The star anise you order from naturalspices.nl is Chinese star anise (Illicium verum) — the edible variety used in commerce. When in doubt or with medical conditions, always consult a doctor.
5. Which other spices pair well with anise seed and star anise?
Anise seed pairs wonderfully with cumin, coriander, cardamom and paprika — as you can see in our shakshuka recipe. Star anise works great with cinnamon, clove, ginger and Sichuan pepper — the classic base for pho and five-spice powder. Curious which other spices go well together? Discover our full range at naturalspices.nl and start experimenting!
