HOW TO GROW STAR ANISE | 10 ULTIMATE STEPS
This growing guide is going to enlight us on how to grow star anise, but before that let us see what we are going to study and achieve and also the objectives of this guide before we continue.
After reading this guide we should be able to know :
- What is star anise
- How to grow star anise
- Preparing and planting of star anise seeds
- Growing condition of star anise
- Propagating of star anise
- Position of star anise
- Type of soil to grow star anise
- Planting of star anise seeds
- Watering of star anise
- Fertilizing
- Pruning
- Pest and diseases
- Harvesting
- Growing of star anise tips
- Uses of star Anie
Now that we have established the objectives of this guide that is how to grow star anise and know what we are going to achieve, then it’s time for us to start the ball rolling.
let start now ….
INTRODUCTIONS TO STAR ANISE
Star anise (Illicium verum) is a tree related to magnolia and its dried fruits are used in many international cuisines. Star anise trees can only grow in zones 8-10 in the U.S. Department of Agriculture, but it’s always fun to learn about a unique and delicious plant in northern gardens. . There is plenty of use for star anise, both in smell and taste. Read on to learn how to grow star anise in the right place and how to use this amazing spice.
It belongs to the Elysia family, a species of Dicotyledonas angiosperm. It is a tropical evergreen tree, 5 to 10 meters tall. Star anise has huge, glossy greens, its white flowers are beautiful and of great decorative value. The star anise fruit has eight carpels that together they form a star-shaped fruit (hence the name “star anise”).
USDA Regions – 8 – 11
Difficulty – Moderate
RECOMMEND TO READ: HOW TO GROW ROSES FROM CUTTING USING HONEY
Other names: Anis de China, Anisestrelado, Anistoilet, Anistyly Chinois, Anisid Stars, Anisistelatifraktas, or Xiao Hui, Badiana, Badian, Badian de China, Bajiyo, Chinese Anise, Chinese Star Anise, Eight-Horned
WHAT IS STAR ANISE?
before we start the guide concerning how to grow star anise first let see so history about star anise, Star anise trees are fast-growing evergreen trees, sometimes up to 26 feet tall but usually smaller than 10 feet wide. The fruit is a spice that smells a bit like wine juice. The tree is native to southern China and northern Vietnam, where its fruits are widely used in regional cuisine. The spice was first introduced to Europe in the 17th century and is used in whole, powder or oil extraction.
They have lance-shaped olive green leaves and delicate yellow cup-shaped flowers. The leaves have a licorice aroma when crushed but they are not part of the plant used in cooking. The fruit is star-shaped (hence the name), green when ripe and brown and ripe when ripe.
It is made up of 6 to 8 carpels, each with a seed. The fruits are green and cut in the sun-dried state. Note: Elysium varium is the most widely harvested plant, but the Japanese plant in the family should not be confused with Elysium anisatum, which is toxic.
HOW TO GROW STAR ANISE
Star Anise is a tree native to native Mongolia. It is famous for being used in many international cuisines. This tree is unique in its taste and shape. It is distinguished by its star-shaped fruit which smells and tastes like black licorice. This plant is versatile and can be used to flavor food or to decorate the garden. Also, it is easy to learn how to grow Star Anise.
Although many gardeners think that star anise is a delicate plant, in reality, it is not. It is a very strong and adaptable plant. You can grow it in full sun or partial shade and it tolerates dry and moist soil. This tree likes heat and warmth but it can withstand a few degrees of cold but not snow. If the temperature drops below 15F, your tree will die. Therefore, if you live in the north, you should grow this tree.
RELATED GUIDE: HOW TO GROW ROSES FROM CUTTING USING HONEY
Star Anise is very popular in Asia in general and in China in particular. If you’ve ever ordered Chinese food, you’ve definitely tasted Star Anise. It is widely used in Chinese cuisine for its aroma and flavor. It is 1 times sweeter than sugar. Thus, it is ideal to use for baking cakes and bread. It is also widely used in curry concoctions. If you want to learn how to grow Star Buddhism, follow the steps below.
HOW TO PREPARE AND PLANT STAR ANISE SEEDS
Carefully preparing and planting the seeds will give the best chance of success. Since it needs to be planted soon after harvest, try to start the process as soon as the seeds are sown. Or, store the seeds in damp sand in a sealed plastic bag or container in the fridge for up to a month.
STAR ANISE GROWING CONDITION
Star Anise grows locally in Vietnam and China and in tropical climates. It is a perennial plant that is tender to frost. Star anise grows only in areas where the temperature does not fall below 15 degrees Fahrenheit (-10 centigrade). If you live in a cold region below USDA Zone 9, arrange Plant Star Anji in a container so you can keep it in a greenhouse or indoors in the winter.
Step 1: PROPAGATION STAR ANISE
There are three ways to increase Star Anise. The first is to buy potted plants from your local garden centre. Make sure you choose a healthy plant.
The second way is to grow star anise from the cut. You will need the part that is at least four inches long. Cut it with a sharp knife. Cutting is required to grow sterile soil. A mixture of sand or peat and perlite is perfect for enhancing your cutting. Cutting is recommended because it allows the roots to grow faster.
The third way to grow star anise from seed. Thus you need to provide an ideal temperature for seed propagation. The ideal temperature is between 65F and 70F You can pick the seeds in containers or directly in your garden. Water frequently to keep the soil moist in any way
If you choose to grow your plant in a pot, be sure to drill drainage holes at the bottom to drain excess water, otherwise, you risk putting your plant in root rot.
Step 2: POSITION STAR ANISE
Star anise is a very adaptable plant, so it is easy to choose a place to grow. This tree can grow in full sun as well as in partial shade. The most important thing to keep in mind is that this plant does not like frost, so choose a place where the temperature does not drop below 15 degrees Fahrenheit. You should avoid exposure to dry air.
Step 3: THE SOIL
Slightly acidic, moist soil is required for the growth and development of star anise. Soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.0. Also, make sure that the soil you are using has dried well with a two-fibrous texture. For best results, you can add compost and fertilizer.
Step 4: PLANTING OF STAR ANISE SEEDS
If you have grown star anise from seed, you need to test the seeds first. Place the seeds in a container filled with water. The seeds sown below are valid seeds and you can plant them. However, seeds floating on the surface are illegal and you must discard them.
READ ALSO: 9 BEST SNOWBLOWERS TO GET THE JOB DONE RIGHT: BUYING GUIDE
When you have legal seeds, sow 1/2 inch deep in the soil. If available, cover them with potting soil.
Step 5: WATERING OF STAR ANISE
Star anise needs regular watering. The soil must be constantly moist. However, you need to water it completely as the roots will rot due to overtreating. In winter, water less frequently. In fact, water is needed only when.
Step 6:STAR ANISE FERTILIZING
Star anise is not a heavy food, in fact, you only need to fertilize it once. Fertilizer of this plant should be applied in spring using compost or old manure. Spray the soil around the plant with fertilizer and you can grow the plant perfectly
Step 7: STAR ANISE PRUNING
Your bag needs to be pruned and pruned to keep the shape of the tree. This will make your plant bushier. Since the size is proposed but not required, special size is not required. But pruning dead, weak and diseased branches is the best way to prune your star anise.
Step 8: STAR ANISE PESTS AND DISEASES
As we mentioned in the introduction to this article, star anise is an extremely hardy plant. Therefore, there are no diseases and pests that can infect it. In fact, this tree can protect itself. It has replanted properties and antibacterial compounds that protect it from pests and diseases.
Ninth step: HARVESTING STAR ANISE
To harvest star anise, you have to be patient. This tree can take up to six years to mature enough to produce fruit if grown from seed. You should pick the fruits when they are not yet ripe. Then place them in a sunny place and let them dry in the sun. When they turn reddish-brown, remove the seeds and store the fruit or cook it.
Step 10: GROWING STAR ANISE TIPS
- Do not confuse Chinese star anise with Japanese star anise. The latter is a highly toxic plant. However, it is similar in shape and resembles Chinese star anise.
- Star anise is the best spice for flavouring meat and curry.
- Use with pork and duck dishes for an unforgettable flavor.
- It replaces sugar and is much healthier than sugar.
These are the best steps for growing a star anise plant. Growing this plant may take a few years, but it’s definitely worth the wait. Its unique flavor and healing effects cannot be found in any other tree. However, if you want to grow fast-growing herbs, you can try growing safflower, fenugreek, and betel leaves. They grow quickly and are extremely healthy and delicious to spice up your kitchen.
Enjoy growing star anise and if you have any problem, please do not hesitate to contact us.
WHAT DO WE USE STAR ANISE FOR?
Very nice to look at, but what do you do with it?
It adds to how most of us feel about Star Anise. And that’s why it’s mostly sent to the backwaters of America’s spice cabinet.
What most people don’t realize is that Star Anise is actually a deliciously powerful spice that can work wonders for your kitchen, especially meat.
But first the basics. Star anise is the fruit – yes, the fruit – of the Chinese-based tree in southern China (where most of it is still produced).
When dried, this fruit looks like 1 inch, rusty colored stars, usually with six to eight dots. At each point there is a small shiny seed.
The taste, which is in the seeds themselves and in both of them, is very sweet and licorice-like, like anise (although not related to plants).
In China, which has been using it for centuries, five-spice powders (including cloves, cinnamon, anise and Sichuan pepper) are a key ingredient in star anise.
Despite its sweetness, the Star Anise tradition is traditionally used in culinary recipes, especially with meat. It is often added whole to soups, stews and broths, adding a sweet-liquorice-chilli flavour to it.
Star Anise can be used whole or ground. When complete, it is usually added to liquids for slow seaming or charcoal. It is usually removed from the dish before serving.
Ground star Anis is more versatile. It should be combined with more strength and care. And like all whole spices it needs to be ground just before use.
The best way to try this is to slow roast beef. Start with the stock base, then add the onion, soy sauce and whole star anise. Add Sichuan pepper if you like.
However, it is necessary for onion and soy sauce. The combination of aromatics with Star Ice works to naturally intensify the taste of meat, just like MSG. It’s incredible.
What else can you do with it? Play with its soft side.
I have some tips for using it, including a basic recipe for crushing star anise with sugar and cinnamon. Anise is an easy, kid-friendly way to try (it’s a taste that some people resist at first but believe me in this regard).
Add star anise sugar with cinnamon
Start to finish: 5 minutes
Makes the cup
3-inch cinnamon sticks, a few pieces
½ star anise
2 tablespoons of sugar
The pinch is salt
Combine all ingredients in an electric spice grinder or blender. Crush for about 1 to 2 minutes until a fine powder is reduced. Use as shown below.
Brush the bread crumbs with butter, then sprinkle with star anise and cinnamon sugar. Toast bubbly under the broth or in the toast oven until lightly browned.
Quick 1 cup Quickly mix everything with a stick of oats and softened butter. Spread this mixture over the blueberry muffins before baking.
Use 1 tablespoon of the mixture instead of 1 tablespoon of sugar in your favorite pancake or waffle recipe.
Use regular sugar substitutes to sweeten the apples. Or use sugar in the apple crank instead.
A Melt the butter on a large non-stick scale. Slice a banana in the middle and bottom. Add a teaspoon of sugar to the pan, then add the bananas and simmer on both sides for several minutes until light brown. Eat banana pieces alone or use as a garnish for ice cream or pancakes. Be sure to use the liquid in the pan as a pancake or ice cream syrup.
Melt your favourite meatball recipe (or use it frozen) in a little butter. Transfer the meatballs to a baking dish and keep warm in the oven at 200 degrees F. Meanwhile, return the impure scallet to the heat. Add more butter, chopped onion and a little soy sauce. Cook until the onions are smooth, then add 1 tablespoon sugar mixture and a little white wine to reduce the pan. Serve the meats on top with the sauce in the pan.
WARNINGS
When growing star anise, do not confuse it with Japanese star anise (Illicium anisatum) or “Shikimi”, which is a poisonous plant native to Japan. Its seeds or fruits look a bit like those of star anise and are only slightly smaller and resemble cardamom, having a more rounded shape and a small hook.
* This article is dedicated to Illicium verum (real star anise), do not confuse it with Pimpinellaanisum (anise), Illicium anisatum (Japanese star anise), a poisonous plant or Illicium parviflorum (swamp star anise).