Identifying good quality star anise can be done in the following ways:
1. Count the number of corners of the star anise
Star anise usually has 7-9 corners, which is the normal range. If the number is too much or too little, it may need attention.
2. look at the fruit of the star anise
The fruit of a good quality star anise should be full, whereas poor quality or poisonous star anise (such as mangosteen) may have a fruit that is not full, or even does not open at all or opens a small slit, with the seeds barely visible.
3. Look at the shape of star anise
Good quality star anise is usually larger in shape with rounded tips, unlike poisonous mangosteen which is slender and slightly hooked. You can recognize anise by comparing its shape.
4. Smell star anise
Good quality star anise has a strong flavor, a unique spice flavor, and a slightly sweet feeling in the aroma. If it smells pungent and strange, like the odor of burning matches, it may be anise that has been overly smoked with sulfur. The odor of poisonous mangosteen is very special, smelling like flower water or camphor, with a pungent and awakening smell.
5. taste anise flavor
real quality anise break a piece down, lick it with your tongue, there will be a very obvious sweet taste back, this is because the fresh anise contains fructose and glucose inside.
6. Look at the color
The color of quality star anise is usually dark reddish brown or yellowish brown with a natural luster. Anise that is too bright or dull in color may be problematic.
By using the above methods, you can better identify and choose good quality star anise.
