My coffee house recipes and stories: how to download and play, secrets and recipes. Spicy orange tea with cherry

It is difficult to imagine any cuisine in the world without spices at all, each country boasts traditional recipes with their own unique combinations of spices and herbs. Today, spices from all over the world are readily available in any large store, it remains only to select the desired combinations. However, apart from unique taste and fragrance plants and their elements carry great benefit for the body due to its rich composition. Star anise stars forever attract attention with their original appearance, this spice can be actively used for your health.

Star anise - what is it?

Star anise is a spice that has many names: Chinese, star, ship, Siberian anise, etc. The plant is tropical, evergreen, is a direct relative common anise. It has a pyramidal crown, and its stems are densely covered with beautiful leaves of rich green color with a glossy surface. Star anise stars are its fruits, formed from inflorescences. In shape, they resemble a star with 8 ends (but there are also specimens with 6 and 10 “arrows”), inside each “boat” there is a plant seed. Growing at home is almost impossible.
The spice has an interesting bittersweet taste, a tolerable level of bitterness, and some astringency. Delicate fragrance, which spreads when using spices, is so interesting that it is used even in perfumery production.

Useful and medicinal properties of the plant

Star anise fruits contain up to 10% essential oil, various resins, sugars and tannin in their composition - these components are credited with the benefits that the spice has. In general, the tool is able to have the following types of effects on the human body:

• removal of spasms;
• anti-inflammatory effect;
• counteracting flatulence;
• normalization of the activity of the stomach;
• helps restore a hoarse voice;
• used like ;
• has a diuretic effect.

For medicinal purposes, the spice is used in the form of tea and infusion. Useful for nursing mothers, as it increases production breast milk and helps restore the menstrual cycle. In folk medicine, the star anise fruit is used as an anthelmintic, a remedy for heart palpitations and diarrhea. The seeds of the plant can be used as a tool to combat bad breath.

Why is star anise used in medicine

Star anise-based preparations are widely used in traditional medicine and can be used to treat infection with worms, fever, as well as loss of appetite and headache attacks. The use of this spice prevents the oxidation of a number of fats that come with food, which causes a preventive effect on the formation of cholesterol plaques in the vessels.

The plant stimulates the production of the female hormone estrogen, which is very useful for a number of gynecological diseases. The spice works as an aphrodisiac, so it will also be useful for men if they need to increase libido. IN official medicine there is also a place for the fruit in question, its extract is among the ingredients of some drugs natural origin(Thus, shikimic acid from the plant is the basis of the action of the drug Tamiflu for influenza).

Star anise recipes

IN pure form you don’t need to eat anise star - it’s inconvenient, and to such an extent there is no need. On the basis of spices, various medicinal decoctions and infusions that are more pleasant and easier to take.

How to make tea with star anise

Real tea with star anise - excellent remedy to improve digestive processes and prevent diseases respiratory tract. The recipe for such a drink is simple and democratic, therefore it does not require a large number of components.

So, when brewing your favorite tea, it will be enough just to put one star in the teapot, after which you need to let the composition brew for 5 minutes. Matches great this product with cardamom - such a "company" makes the taste and aroma of the drink simply unique. You can create a very interesting mixture by adding not only star anise and cardamom to the tea leaves, but also a couple of clove flowers, a little grated ginger and lemon - the drink is a real find in the cold season and works like a vitamin bomb.

How to make a tincture

For cooking effective infusion on the basis of the spice, it is necessary to grind 100 grams of plant stars and pour the resulting mass with a glass of boiling water. The mixture must be placed on water bath and boil for half an hour. At the end of this process, the composition is filtered, cooled and it is ready for use. You need to take the medicine in a tablespoon three times a day and always one hour before meals. This infusion has antiviral activity and helps to cope with pathogenic bacteria that have entered the body.

There is another version of the remedy - tincture on moonshine. To prepare it, you need to take a couple of star anise stars, a teaspoon of ordinary anise and cumin, and half a liter alcoholic drink. All spices are placed in a jar and poured with moonshine, after which they are tightly closed with a lid and sent to infuse for a couple of weeks in a dark place. Drink pure tincture small quantities as a drug for the normalization of the digestive process and a means for the prevention of colds.

Infusion for cough

When coughing, the issue of the need for sputum discharge from the respiratory organs becomes acute. cook medicinal infusions it is possible on the basis of the spice in question:

• the first recipe is a remedy with star anise oil. It is necessary to warm a glass of milk, add a spoonful of honey to it, a little butter and enrich the drink with one drop of star anise essential oil. This is very effective remedy, but you should not exceed the recommended dosages, one dose of such a drink per day will be enough;
• fruit infusion. The asterisks of the plant must be crushed into powder, and pour a teaspoon with a glass of boiling water, cover the mixture and insist for an hour. The cooled and filtered solution is taken 100 milliliters before meals three times a day. The tool can be strengthened by brewing another teaspoon with the stars, and a tablespoon of chamomile flowers.

Decoction

The healing decoction is perfect for dealing with spasms and digestive disorders. To prepare the composition, you need to grind half an anise star, pour the resulting powder with a glass of water and boil in a water bath for a quarter of an hour. The broth must be filtered and you can drink it warm. If the spice was crushed coarsely, then it can be brewed again.

How to brew coffee with star anise

This recipe will appeal to all connoisseurs of good freshly brewed coffee. Star anise will give the drink interesting notes of taste and aroma, and at the same time give it great benefit for the body. The process of preparing a drink is very simple - you need to do everything according to standard technology.

basis for any coffee drink espresso comes out - 7 grams ground coffee need to pour 40 ml clean water. You need to send a couple of star anise leaves to the same mixture, then it remains only to brew coffee in a Turk, not bringing it to a boil and removing it from the heat three times when a white foam appears (the state before boiling itself) - it is important to have time, otherwise the coffee will simply burn.

How to use star anise for weight loss

In order to get rid of extra pounds it is worth arming yourself with a huge amount of information. It will be possible to achieve results without harm to health only with a competent approach and the right combination healthy nutrition And physical activity. Wanting to normalize the digestive system, which is also important in the process of losing weight, various folk recipes. So, for example, it is recommended to drink a decoction of spices prepared in the proportion of half an asterisk per glass of boiling water.

However, considering recipes for weight loss, you need to carefully study their composition. So, it is necessary to avoid the combination of star anise, dill and lingonberry leaf - such a mixture with a high degree of probability will simply lead to dehydration of the body, and such stress cannot positively affect either the process of losing weight or health in general. For the same reason, you should not combine the use of star anise decoction and a salt-free diet.

Use in cooking as a condiment

Faced with such a spice, many people have a question - where is star anise added? Its use is possible both in whole and in crushed form. The spice is often put into products made from text and fruits, anise fruits give incredible shades of taste and aroma to dishes made from pears, apples, plums and cherries. In the dough, the powder is placed during kneading. What are whole fruits used for? It's simple - for drinks they are simply left to boil with other ingredients.

The use of spices is not limited to sweet dishes and drinks. Such a component will perfectly fit into dishes of pork, lamb, fish, vegetables and various sauces. The crushed seeds are placed in warm mulled wine, tea and various liquors are prepared with them. An amazing feature of star anise is that it does not lose its properties with prolonged heat treatment, on the contrary, its taste and aroma are only better revealed during cooking, so you can safely add it to the dish even at the very beginning of cooking.

What can replace star anise spice in a dish

Star anise has unique characteristics, but if it is not possible to use this particular spice, then you can replace it with products similar in purpose. So, cinnamon, common anise and cumin have a somewhat similar aroma and sweetish aftertaste, so they definitely won’t spoil baking. The main thing is to focus on good combination flavors and aromas.

In the article we discuss real star anise. We talk about its medicinal properties, what it is used for, where it is added. You will learn how to prepare star anise tea and tincture with spices, what contraindications it has, and whether spice can be used during pregnancy.

Badian real (another name is star anise, Chinese, real illicium) is a perennial evergreen woody plant, a species of the genus Star anise of the Limonnikovye family. His homeland is North America and Southeast Asia. Also grows in Abkhazia and Indochina. Propagated by seeds.

The fruits are used in folk and traditional medicine, added to the composition herbal teas And variety of dishes oil is made from seeds. They are also used to produce shikimic acid. As a spice, dry ripe fruits of this star anise are used in ground or unchanged form.

What does it look like

The height of the tree reaches 18 m, in diameter - 7-12 m. Twigs at the age of 1 year have a light green tint, the leaves are still absent at this time.

The tips of the shoots are covered with foliage, which has a petiole and small buds over the entire surface, the edges are solid, there is no stipules.

The trunk of the tree is straight, with white bark, the branches break easily. The leaves are dark green, oval.

The flowers have white, red, pink or yellow shades, reach a diameter of 3 cm. Bisexual flowers grow singly.

The composite fruit contains many single-seeded dry leaflets, which are arranged in a star-like pattern on a conical receptacle. The seeds are shiny, smooth and hard.

How it grows

Star anise is grown in countries with a tropical climate: India, Jamaica, the Philippines, Japan and Abkhazia. The tree grows in groves, forests at an altitude of 500-1600 m above sea level, can form thickets. In regions with a different climate and soil composition, real star anise does not take root well.

Flowering occurs in April-May. A woody plant begins to bear fruit at the age of 5, usually this happens in July-September. For the preparation of spices, only fruits from a 15-year-old tree are used, while star anise bears fruit for up to 80-100 years.

Taste and smell

Star anise has a bittersweet taste. The aroma is subtle and complex with hints of anise.

Star anise and anise - what's the difference

In many recipes it is indicated that star anise and are interchangeable spices. They have a similar taste and aroma.

There are several differences between spices:

• star anise is a tree, anise is a herbaceous plant;
• safflower (essential oil) is present in the present star anise, common anise does not have it;
• they have completely different fruits;
• anise has a characteristic light fruity aroma and sweetish-spicy taste, and star anise - astringent, pungent and bitter-sweet;
• the aroma of star anise is thinner and brighter, it does not have the cloying smell characteristic of anise;
• anise is perfect for cooking fish dishes, while the star anise clogs the taste of the fish;
• as a rule, only ground anise is used in cooking, while star anise stars are used for baking (for decoration);
• a-priory professional chefs, the aroma of anise is straightforward, while star anise reveals a real cascade of tastes and smells.

Star anise and anise have different chemical composition. Therefore, as remedy it is forbidden to interchange seasonings, so as not to apply more more harm the health of a sick person.

What to replace

In cooking, cumin, anise or cinnamon can be used instead of star anise. During therapy, it is forbidden to replace star anise with other spices and seasonings.

Useful properties of star anise

Star anise contains:

• mineral salts;
• franesol;
• terpenes;
• limonene;
• tannins;
• malic acid;
• gum;
• aldehydes;
• sugar;
• resin;
• tannin;
• essential oil.

Medicinal properties of illitium present:

Star anise effectively copes with inflammation and spasms, improves appetite, and eliminates headaches. Useful in the treatment of epilepsy, fever, plague and malaria, and the skin of the root can be used as a remedy.

The use of spices in food in the form of powder and infusion prevents the formation of oxidative processes in the body. It also prevents the growth of cholesterol plaques in the arteries.

It is useful to use star anise for problems with gastrointestinal tract. Medicines made on the basis of its fruits activate the process of digestion in the body, eliminate intestinal spasms, and normalize intestinal motility.

Benefits of star anise for women:

• reduces stress and strong emotional stress;
• increases sexual desire;
• eliminates not nice smell from mouth;
• relieves premenstrual and menstrual pain;
• enhances lactation;
• promotes weight loss;
• when applied externally, it restores skin elasticity and improves its water-fat balance.

For men, star anise is also useful. It helps to improve sexual health, increase libido and increase the duration of sexual intercourse.

The use of star anise

IN traditional medicine and culinary specialists use star anise in powder form for cooking. Below are the recipes folk remedies based on star anise.

Infusion for cough

Products:

• star anise (fruits) - 5 g;
• water - 1 glass.

Cooking: Grind the spice seeds or grind in a mortar. Fill the raw material with water, put the container with the composition in a water bath. After 40 minutes, dilute the drink with a glass of still water.

Usage: Take an infusion of half a glass three times a day.

Effect: Expectorant infusion can be used by adults and children. With regular use of the drink, the cough disappears.

And another cough recipe, but only for adults:

• star anise - 20 g;
• water - 250 ml;
• honey - 1 tbsp;
• cognac - 10 ml.

Cooking: Pour star anise with water, boil the composition for a quarter of an hour. Add the rest of the ingredients, bring the mixture to a boil.

Usage: Chilled drink take 10 ml every half hour.

Effect: Cough relief.

Infusion for problems with the gastrointestinal tract

Products:

• star anise - 5 g;
• boiled water - 0.4 l.

Cooking: Use crushed star anise fruits. Pour boiling water over the raw materials, let the composition brew for an hour. Strain.

Usage: Drink half a glass of infusion 4 times a day.

Effect: Improving the functioning of the digestive system.

In cooking

In cooking, dry ground star anise seeds are used in the form of spices, they are added to the first and second courses, drinks, canned food, confectionery. According to its purpose, star anise is close to cinnamon, it is used to prepare cakes, cookies, buns, pretzels and other pastries.

Star anise should be added to dishes only before baking. This is due to the fact that during heating, the spice begins to give off its aroma and retains it in finished form.

The spice goes well with meat and fish dishes, giving them spicy taste making the meat tender and soft. Put star anise in meat dishes at the rate of one gram per serving.

Adding spice to marinades and pickles gives them a savory taste. It makes jam more fragrant, prevents it from being sugared and retains its natural color.

Badian is great for fruit dishes and jams from quince, pears, apples, gooseberries. And if you add it to Cherry jam, then it will not be candied for 3 years!

Star anise is often added to alcoholic and soft drinks. Alcoholic products spice gives an unusual smell, and if you use it in tea, you can noticeably improve your health.

Spice prolongs the shelf life of products. Pairs best with fennel, ginger, black pepper, cloves and cinnamon.

For weight loss

If you dream about slim figure, then star anise is exactly the spice that will help achieve it. What is the secret of star anise for weight loss? Star anise promotes absorption from food more useful properties, removes excess fluid and unnecessary substances from the body. It also liquefies feces, preventing the formation of constipation, cleanses the body of toxins and toxins.

Weight loss is carried out by normalizing the functioning of the hormonal system.

How to use spice for weight loss? Make the spice a permanent part of your daily menu, And ! Only in this case you will achieve a stunning figure! If you want rapid loss weight, then try .

In Ayurveda

Star anise seeds are used in Ayurveda. Energy: sharp and warming. The spice balances Vata constitution, reduces Vata and Kapha, strengthens Pitta.

Star anise is useful to chew after feasts, it improves the digestion of food and freshens the breath. The spice increases the tone of a person, improves mood, which is important for people living in the city and leading an exhausting lifestyle.

The main benefit of the plant is the organs of the respiratory and digestive systems, the larynx, the brain and the genitals.

Star anise tea

Prepared tea with star anise helps with such diseases:

• Colds, SARS and other diseases of the upper respiratory tract. Tea facilitates the course of the disease, cleanses the bronchi and promotes sputum discharge.
• Flatulence, pain in the abdomen, intestinal colic. The spice stabilizes the intestines, eliminates indigestion, and soothes pain.
• Irregular and painful periods, cycle failure due to certain medications. A drink with star anise contributes to the normalization of the cycle, relieves pain before and during menstruation, and improves overall well-being.
• Weakened immunity. The systematic use of tea with star anise has a general strengthening effect, increases the body's resistance to seasonal diseases.

How to brew

There is no difficulty in making a drink with star anise. It is enough to follow the recipe and observe the recommended dosage. To prepare a drink, take star anise stars. By the way, with them you can make not only tea, but also coffee.

Below we describe the most popular recipes tea with star anise.

Ingredients:

• black tea - 2 g;
• water - 250 ml;
• star anise - 1 star.

Cooking:

1. Boil water.
2. Pour boiling water over the spice and add black tea.
3. After 4 minutes, you can drink a drink.

mint and cinnamon tea recipe

This drink has a mild sedative effect.

Ingredients:

• black tea - 1 tsp;
• cinnamon - 1 stick;
• mint - 2 leaves;
• water - 250 ml;
• star anise - 1 star.

Cooking:

1. Boil water.
2. Add mint leaves and black tea to the water.
3. After a minute, add cinnamon and star anise.
4. After a few minutes, add sugar or cream (optional).

ginger tea recipe

Ingredients:

• lemon - 2 slices;
• honey - 5 g;
• star anise - 2 stars;
• ginger (grated) - 3 g;
• black tea - 2 g;
• water - 250 ml.

Cooking:

1. Combine grated ginger with star anise, black tea and pour boiling water over everything.
2. After five minutes, add honey and lemon to the drink, now the tea is ready to drink.

Star anise recipe with milk

This drink will help to cope with diseases of the throat and ears.

Ingredients:

• milk - 1 l;
• ice water - 100 g;
• star anise - 1 star;
• black pepper - 2-3 peas;
• cardamom - 1 pinch.

Cooking:

1. Mix milk and water in a ceramic bowl.
2. Add in the rest of the ingredients.
3. Preheat the oven and put a drink in it for 15 minutes. Be careful not to run out of milk!
4. After turning off the oven, wait 5 minutes, only then remove the tea from it.

Star anise coffee

Use natural ground coffee to prepare the drink.

Ingredients:

• coffee - 3 tsp;
• star anise - 1 star.

Cooking:

1. Pour coffee into the Turk, add sugar and water.
2. Throw in star anise, then brew your coffee as usual.
3. Wait until the drink boils three times, only in this case you will get an indescribable taste of coffee!

Recipes for alcoholic drinks on star anise

As we said above, star anise is often added to alcoholic beverages. It gives them a piquant taste, interrupting the smell of alcohol.

We invite you to familiarize yourself with homemade recipes. alcoholic beverages based on star anise. And believe us, such drinks will not leave you or your guests indifferent!

tincture recipe

Ingredients:

• vodka - 3 l;
• anise (seeds) - 4 g;
• cumin - 0.5 g;
• coriander - 0.2 g;
• Chinese anise - 2 stars;
• sugar - 20 g;
• dill seeds - 0.5 g.

Cooking:

1. Break the star anise.
2. Pour all the ingredients with vodka, put the container with the resulting composition in a dark place for 2 weeks. Shake periodically.
3. After 14 days, strain the tincture, let it rest for 2 to 30 days.
4. Drink the drink chilled.

mulled wine recipe

Ingredients:

• red dry wine- 0.5 l;
• orange - 1 pc;
• lemon - half;
• granulated sugar- 80 g;
• cinnamon - 2 sticks;
• cardamom - 4 buds;
• star anise - 2 stars.

Cooking:

1. Cut the lemon into rings, the orange into quarters.
2. Place chopped fruit in a deep saucepan, add granulated sugar and spices to them.
3. Pour in the wine, stir.
4. Place the saucepan on the stove with medium heat.
5. Wait until the mixture begins to steam.
6. Cover the finished drink with a lid and wait 10 minutes, after which you can start tasting mulled wine.

Moonshine tincture

Ingredients:

• moonshine - 1 l;
• star anise - 4 pcs;
• walnut partitions - 0.1 kg;
• granulated sugar - 5 g;
• cinnamon - 5 g.

Cooking:

1. Connect all products in glass jar except for sugar.
2. Dissolve sugar in a glass warm water and add to the main composition.
3. Put the resulting mixture for 2 weeks in a dark room.
4. After 14 days, strain the moonshine and let it rest for another 2-3 days.
5. Drink the drink chilled.

Star anise during pregnancy

It is strictly forbidden to use spice while carrying a child. The use of seasoning inside during pregnancy can provoke a miscarriage or cause problems in the development of the fetus.

Contraindications

Star anise ether is forbidden to use undiluted. Keep this in mind when you use the product for cosmetic purposes.

Star anise renders positive impact on the body only if the dosages are correctly observed. If you exceed this amount, you can inflict irreparable harm to your body.

It is forbidden to use star anise in the following cases:

• nervous disorders;
• age up to 12 years;
• pregnancy;
• the presence of allergies;
• epilepsy.

In all other cases, before using spices, it is advisable to consult your doctor.

Where can I buy

You can buy star anise in specialized stores or the Internet. The average price of a product is 120-140 rubles per 100 g.

Video: Turkish coffee with star anise

The spice, resembling beautiful stars in its appearance, first came to Russia in the sixteenth century, brought from China by oriental merchants. Since then, it has become an integral part of our cuisine and is used not only in cooking. various dishes but also in the treatment of diseases. Today you will learn a lot about star anise tea, get acquainted with its useful properties and some unusual recipes its preparation.

Star anise grows exclusively in warm countries and is an evergreen tree, which sometimes reaches a height of up to twenty meters. The fruits of this plant are used as a condiment in many national cuisines, including Chinese and Indian.

Star anise tea is also very popular among connoisseurs. original drinks. Unusual invigorating taste and spicy flavor many people will like it. If you have never tried this amazing drink- you definitely need to make up for this omission!

Star anise tea: the beneficial properties of the drink

The fruits of the plant, similar to small stars, contain great amount useful substances. Among them are manganese, copper, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, C, as well as tannin and essential oils. Tea made from star anise helps with the following diseases:

• Colds, flu, SARS, bronchitis and other diseases of the upper respiratory tract. The drink facilitates the course of the disease, promotes sputum discharge and clears the bronchi.
• Intestinal colic, flatulence, abdominal pain. The fruits of the plant have the ability to normalize bowel function, relieve indigestion and soothe pain.
• "Women's diseases" - painful and irregular menstruation, cycle disorders due to the intake of potent drugs.

• Weakened immunity.

Regular intake of the drink will improve the body's resistance to seasonal diseases, will restorative action. In addition, this remedy is recommended for nursing mothers. It enhances lactation and helps the body recover after childbirth. But, do not get carried away with this drink for people suffering from diseases. nervous system. Also, you need to be careful and allergy sufferers, because taking the remedy can turn into an exacerbation of the disease for them.

How to brew star anise into tea?

There is an erroneous opinion that the fruits of this plant must be boiled to make a drink, like rose hips. Let's refute it. The seed calyxes of the plant are quite tender and do not require long exposure. high temperature to fully reveal its taste and wonderful aroma.

It will be enough to brew them boiling water and wait from one to three minutes, depending on how rich your tea is. You should also not brew more than two stars per cup of drink, so as not to make it unfit for consumption.

Star anise tea: tricks and unusual recipes

Of course, no one will stop you from throwing ordinary black or green tea spicy star and enjoy the updated taste of the usual drink. But, for real gourmets, we have prepared a selection interesting recipes star anise teas that will help you feel all the bright facets of this unusual spice.

Mint and cinnamon

• One teaspoon black tea
• One cinnamon stick
• Two mint leaves
• One star anise

Pour tea leaves into a heated cup and put mint leaves. Pour boiling water and let it brew for one minute, then add cinnamon and star anise. Tea can be drunk after two minutes, adding sugar or cream to taste. Tea with star anise and cinnamon has a light soothing taste.

sunny citrus

• One teaspoon green tea
• Two star anise
• One slice of orange
• One lime wedge
• Half a teaspoon of sugar

Small teapot pour over boiling water and put everything in it listed components except for sugar. Pour boiling water over everything and let stand for five to seven minutes. Then add sugar and enjoy summer!

Spices, cherry and orange

• Half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder
• One teaspoon of honey
• one clove
• Two star anise
• half an orange
• One tablespoon of cherries

Separate the cherries from the pits, crush and mix with the grated orange peel. Put everything in a large bowl and add spices. Pour the ingredients with 300 milliliters of boiling water and let it brew for fifty minutes. Before drinking, add some honey to the drink.

warm ginger

• Two slices of lemon
• A teaspoon of honey
• Two star anise
• Three grams of grated ginger root
• Half teaspoon black tea

Mix grated on fine grater ginger root with tea leaves, add stars to them and pour everything with a glass of boiling water. After three to five minutes you can enjoy unusual taste adding honey and lemon juice.

Autumn tenderness of sea buckthorn

• One teaspoon of honey
• Fifty grams of sea buckthorn
• Half a teaspoon of cinnamon
• One star anise
• Half teaspoon grated ginger

Pound sea buckthorn in a mortar, put in a cup and mix with ginger and other spices. Boil the prepared ingredients with boiling water and wait five to ten minutes. Before drinking, put some honey in the cup.

Bright rosehip

Ripe rose hips and stars. An interesting combination, is not it?

• Four hundred milliliters of water
• some ginger
• One star anise
• Ten rose hips

This tea is intended for preparation in a thermos. All the listed components are laid in it and poured with boiling water. Infuse the drink should be at least six hours. You can also add honey or sugar to taste before use.

Spices a cappella

And here only spices have gathered - tart, fragrant and beautiful. Nothing extra, just delicious taste and irresistible aroma.

• One piece of firth
• One teaspoon of honey
• Pinch ground cinnamon
• a pinch of ground nutmeg
• A pinch of black pepper
• Two star anise
• One liter of water

Mix all the spices together and brew with boiling water. The drink should be infused for about ten minutes, and then strain and drink with lemon and honey.

Star anise (lat. Illicium verum, star anise) is an evergreen small tree. In Southeast Asia, star anise tea has long been valued as a tasty and thirst-quenching drink. The most useful tool, which has life-giving power, which is collected by a wealth of useful substances in each fruit of the shrub.

Comments about the main

Behind interesting shape fruits (asterisks with 7-10 rays), the plant was given a second name - star anise.

place of growth

Growing star anise at home is, to put it mildly, a difficult task, since it needs special conditions. Today, the plant has migrated to permanent cultivation in industrial scale to Japan, India, Cambodia, Abkhazia and several other tropical countries.
The addition of star anise is characterized by an astringent bittersweet taste with a slight spiciness. The smell can be described as anise, only nobler, thinner and more complex. This is the reason for the widespread use of star anise in cooking, the perfumery industry and medicine.
Nutritional value: proteins - 18 g, fats - 16 g, carbohydrates - 50 g.

Useful properties of star anise

The benefits of star anise in the contained useful substances, such as tannic, extractive, vitamins A, B1, B2, B5, B6, B9, C and PP, resins, tannin, organic acids (choline, rutin), minerals (K, Ca, Mg, Se, Au, F, Na), fats and essential oils - such a set is highly valued in the medical, cosmetic and food industries.

Star anise is an excellent antispasmodic. It relieves muscle spasms, such as stomach or Bladder. Indicated for people with reduced immunity, has a beneficial effect on endocrine system and generally helps to relieve the accumulated stress.

It is also shown to drink an infusion of star anise when coughing, as it restores a hoarse voice, helps to gently cleanse the lungs. In the case of treatment of laryngitis, bronchitis, asthma, inhalations are done.

And with headaches, it is shown to drink a glass of infusion, and it is worth drinking a course of star anise to prevent the formation of cholesterol plaques in the vessels.

From scrupulous: star anise drives worms, stops diarrhea, drives sputum from the lungs, fights bad smell in the mouth. This drink also helps with bloating. IN moderate amounts it is given to children with epilepsy, people with severe diseases of the nervous system.

Tea ceremony with a special taste

Star anise is usually brewed as an infusion or in combination with tea. Upon contact with boiling water, the stars saturate the water with essential oils, resins, tannins, which have a beneficial effect on general state organism and individual parts of the system. Exist traditional recipes, so, star anise is part of the healing indian drink masala, which includes tea, milk and spices.

Recipe for star anise tea: grind 1 teaspoon of fruit into powder. Pour ¼ cup boiling water, leave for 10 minutes, strain. Use as a brew or as an addition to tea.

Nursing mothers who are used to limiting themselves in everything can afford to drink tea with star anise, moreover, it will increase the secretion of breast milk and normalize the menstrual cycle. Also, the plant will gently soothe, reducing heart palpitations.

Star anise (or star anise) is a close relative of the common anise; evergreen tropical tree. This plant got its second name due to the fact that its fruits are stars with 7-12 rays. The fruits are dark brown, boat-like in appearance, firm to the touch. Each such ray contains one seed.

Star anise flowers are light, the color varies from yellow to greenish. Southeast China and Japan are considered to be the birthplace of star anise. Now it has become widespread in Indochina, South Korea and other tropical countries, in Abkhazia. Consumers know star anise as fragrant spice bitter-sweet in taste with an anise-like smell. But also used in medicinal purposes and star anise root.

Useful properties of the star anise plant

The birthplace of the star anise is East and Southeast Asia. In China, India and Thailand, the fruits and seeds of the plant are used in medical purposes for more than a century. Teas, tinctures and decoctions based on them appeared even before star anise began to be used as a seasoning. Europeans got acquainted with the spice only in the 16th century.

The beneficial properties of star anise are due to the essential oils in its composition. The following active substances were found in them:

• phenol anethole (about 90%);
• safol (about 5%);
• terpenes (mainly cymene, carene, limonene, alpha-pinene, dipentene, phellandrene);
• cineole;
• beta-phellandrene;
• ethyl ester of hydroquinone.

All these components have a high antibacterial effect and have a positive effect on the human body. Star anise and star anise essential oil are used in various fields of medicine:

• for coughs, flu and sore throats
• with palpitations and tachycardia;
• with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
• with nervousness and disorders of the nervous system;
• with hormonal disorders in women, severe PMS;
• as an aphrodisiac.

Use in cosmetology

star anise, medicinal properties which we have just reviewed, as well as star anise extract, is widely used in cosmetology. The plant produces an antifungal effect, tones the skin well, and accelerates tissue regeneration. Essential oil star anise helps to eliminate age spots and freckles, most importantly, do not use it in its pure form.

You can add oil to a night cream, or dilute with any base vegetable oil in a ratio of 1:5. The benefits of star anise for hair are invaluable: its extract eliminates dandruff, increases blood flow to the follicles, which has a positive effect on growth and appearance hair. For these purposes, it is best to use a tincture, or a decoction of the fruits and seeds of the plant.

How useful is star anise for those who want to lose weight?

From all positive properties star anise the most important is its effect on digestive system person. Tea with the addition of this spice is given to babies who have colic and stomach pain, but much more benefit will bring star anise to those who want to get rid of excess weight.

It speeds up metabolism, improves intestinal motility, normalizes the functioning of the liver, gallbladder and pancreas. Star anise tincture, taken before meals, will help the absorption of food. This is an excellent tool for fighting cholesterol, which has a positive effect not only on the figure, but also on work. of cardio-vascular system. Star anise, whose properties are difficult to overestimate, will be especially useful for the elderly. He normalizes blood pressure and has an invigorating effect.

Contraindications for use

The seed oil of the plant is contraindicated in pregnant women, infants, as well as in case of individual intolerance. Too much a large number of star anise, used for food or as medicinal product may overexcite the nervous system.

Applying the oil directly to the skin may cause burns. Excess allowable rate star anise preparations can result in nausea, vomiting and pulmonary edema.

The use of star anise as a culinary ingredient

Earlier in Rus', it was added to popular delicacies - gingerbread, pretzels, gingerbread. Dried ground seeds emit an odor similar to anise, hence the second name - star anise. The aroma of the plant is very rich and endowed sweet taste with some edge. Most often star anise is used for baking confectionery.

Freshly ground it is added to the dough for initial stage before baking. A feature of overseas seasoning is its ability to saturate the product with aroma, which is preserved in finished product long time.

What is it combined with and where can it be added?

Also, star anise seeds are suitable for making mousses, jelly, compotes, fruit desserts from quince, plums, pears, gooseberries, apples. It perfectly flavors and does not allow the jam to be candied for several years. It can be used in combination with many spices - fennel, black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, which perfectly complement the taste. meat dishes from beef, pork and poultry. The plant is most widely used in oriental cuisine, they are seasoned with sauces and gravies for rice and vegetable dishes.

IN European countries, especially in France, star anise is also used, beneficial features which are used to flavor alcoholic beverages - liqueurs, tinctures and vodka. In rare cases, however, star anise is used to prepare fish dishes. Similar dishes are prepared mainly in Japan, China, Burma, Korea, the Philippines and Indonesia.

Star anise tea: recipes

Teas with the addition of stars improve mood, give vigor, and calm the nerves. But, you can also drink them to normalize the work of the gastrointestinal tract, to treat bloating, diarrhea or muscle spasms. Star anise tea is useful even for children in moderation.

It is recommended to drink in winter period, especially in the initial stage of a cold. Since star anise strengthens the immune system, promotes expectoration of mucus. Hot tea eliminates dry cough and relieves inflammation from a cold throat.

STAR STAR TEA

Preparing tea - a decoction is very simple! To begin with, star anise must be rubbed. We need 1 tsp. powder. Or use the powder right away, but it tastes better when you pray yourself! Pour in half a glass of water. Bring to a boil and simmer
another 10 minutes. The liquid is then filtered. They drink it as tea or if it is very strong it can be used as tea leaves. Very effective tea for colds.

TEA WITH STAR AND LEMON

First of all, brew 200 ml. favorite black tea. Then add a star anise and a generous slice of lemon to the tea. Sugar or honey is added to taste.

TEA WITH STAR AND MINT

To prepare, you will need 1 bag of your favorite black or green tea. We insist 250 ml. tea. Next, add the star anise for 1 - 2 minutes, and then take it out. After we put a cinnamon stick, 2 - 3 mint leaves, wait another 10 minutes and enjoy a delicious drink.

CITRUS TEA WITH STAR STAR

Boil 300 - 350 ml. water. We send 2 star anise stars, a generous slice of orange and lemon (lime) and tea leaves to the teapot. Best to use green Chinese tea. Pour boiling water over all the beauty, insist 10 minutes, and then enjoy divine taste. Sugar to taste, but healthier, of course, without it.

SPICE-CITRUS TEA WITH STAR STAR AND CHERRY FOR CHERRY

For cooking, we need the zest from half an orange and 1 tablespoon of cherries, which should be carefully crushed. Zest with cherries pour 300 ml of boiling water.

To them add half a teaspoon of cinnamon or 1 stick, 1 pc. cloves and 2 star anise. We insist 15 minutes. You can add honey or cane sugar before drinking.

TEA WITH GINGER AND STAR STAR FROM THE COLD

We brew 250 - 300 ml. black tea. To it we add 3 - 5 grams of ginger shavings (grate ginger), 1 star anise. We insist 10 minutes. Squeeze juice before drinking lemon wedge and put honey.