Star anise, also known as aniseed and daikon, is a common flavoring spice with a wide range of uses, not only as a seasoning in cooking, but also plays an important role in medicinal and industrial applications.
Culinary Uses
The most common use of star anise in cooking is as a seasoning for adding flavor to food and removing the fishy taste of meat. It can be used in cooking processes such as boiling, deep-frying, brining, saucing and broiling, and is especially suitable for cooking methods such as stewing meat, which can make the meat flavor more mellow and fragrant. For example, in the production of beef, rabbit meat dishes add star anise, can add aromatic odor, and can adjust the taste, enhance appetite. In addition, star anise can also be used for pickled foods, such as pickled eggs, duck eggs, parsnips, cilantro and so on, so that it has a special flavor.
Medicinal Value
Anise also has some medicinal value. It is warm and hot in nature and is suitable for people with cold stomachs, relieving symptoms such as pain in the stomach, lumbar and knee soreness, and chills all over the body. The unique aroma of star anise has the effect of appetizing and promoting appetite. For people with poor appetite, star anise can be added to food to enhance appetite. In addition, star anise has the effect of dispelling wind and cold, warming the sun and relieving pain, and can be used to treat headache and nasal congestion caused by external wind-cold, runny nose and fear of cold and other symptoms.
Industrial Uses
In the industrial field, the rind, seeds, and leaves of star anise contain aromatic oils, which are important raw materials for the manufacture of cosmetics, sweet-scented wine, beer, and the food industry. The volatile oil of star anise can be used to make perfume, toothpaste, soap, and cosmetics, as well as being used as a flavoring agent and insect repellent for daily chemical products. In addition, star anise can also be extracted from mangiferolic acid, which is the main raw material for the production of the anti-influenza drug Tamiflu.
Summary
To summarize, anise, as a versatile plant fruit, not only plays an important role in daily cooking, but is also valued for its medicinal value and industrial applications. Whether it is used as a flavor, medicine or industrial raw material, star anise has shown its unique charm and value.
