When buying star anise, be sure to distinguish between "red" and "black", the difference is very big, don't spend money in vain
In our daily cooking, star anise is a common spice whose unique aroma and taste add endless charm to dishes. You may not know that in the world of octagonal, the difference between red and black is very knowledgeable? Below, I will share some knowledge about star anise, so that you can distinguish the color when buying star anise, and avoid spending money in vain.
Red and black star anise are not two different species, they are actually the same plant – star anise manifests itself at different stages of ripening. Red star anise, also known as "tender star anise", is picked when the star anise fruit is not yet fully ripe, and is reddish in color, full-bodied in shape, and has a fresh aroma and a slightly sweet taste.
Black star anise, which is commonly referred to as "old star anise", is formed after the fruit is fully ripe and dried, and is dark in color, relatively flat in shape, and has a strong aroma with a slightly bitter taste. Due to the difference in picking time and processing methods, black star anise contains richer flavor components, so it is more widely used in cooking.
What is the difference between red and black anise? In general, red star anise is more suitable for stewing, grilling or curing meats due to its fresh aroma and sweetness, which can enhance the flavor of the ingredients. Black star anise, on the other hand, is more suitable for cooking heavy dishes such as lo-mei and roast pork because of its rich aroma and slightly bitter taste, which can increase the depth and depth of the dish.
Of course, this is not to say that red anise is inferior to black anise, or that black anise is necessarily better than red anise. The choice of star anise color depends mainly on your culinary needs and personal tastes. However, understanding the characteristics and scope of application of these two types of anise can undoubtedly help you make a more informed choice when buying and avoid blindly following the trend or being misled by merchants.
I would like to remind you that when buying star anise, you must pay attention to discerning its color and quality. A good quality star anise should be natural in color, intact in shape, rich in aroma and free of impurities. If you encounter star anise that is too bright in color or has an abnormal aroma, it is likely that it has been artificially dyed or added with chemical flavors, which not only affects the taste, but also may cause harm to health.
Therefore, when you buy star anise, you must not only distinguish between red and black, but also learn to identify its quality, so as to truly enjoy the deliciousness and health brought by star anise.
Although red and black anion may seem similar, there is actually a big difference. Understanding these differences will not only help us make better use of star anise in cooking, but also avoid spending money on purchases. I hope to provide you with some practical shopping guides, so that you can go better and better on the road of food!