Blog

To distinguish star anise (non-toxic and edible) from toxic anise (mainly Japanese star anise, commonly known as "wild star anise"), the key lies in three dimensions: appearance, smell, and taste. You can make a quick identification within 30 seconds. Here are the specific methods:

I. Core Identification Methods (Most Intuitive and Easy to Operate)

1. Appearance: Judging from the number and shape of the "points"

Star Anise (Edible):

Fixed number of points: Usually 7-9 points (commonly 8, hence the name "star anise"), with a relatively stable number of points.

Shape characteristics: The points are plump and thick, with a blunt or slightly concave tip, not sharp and prickly; the skin is thick, with natural wrinkles on the surface, and the color is reddish-brown or yellowish-brown with a luster.

Stalk: The stalk is short, closely connected to the fruit, and the overall shape is regular.

Japanese Star Anise (Wild Star Anise):

Random number of points: Usually 10-14 points, or even more, significantly more than star anise.

Shape characteristics: The points are slender and narrow, with a sharp tip that often curves inward (like an eagle's hook), easily pricking the hand; the skin is thin, with less obvious wrinkles on the surface, and the color is lighter (yellowish-brown or yellowish-green), with poor luster.

Stalk: The stalk is long, easily detachable, and the overall shape is irregular, appearing "thin".

2. Smell: Check if the aroma is pure

Star Anise: The aroma is rich and mellow, a unique sweet and spicy scent, without any off-flavors, and it makes one feel hungry (similar to the aroma of marinades).

Japanese Star Anise: The aroma is light and pungent, sometimes with a hint of bitterness or numbness, lacking the sweet and smooth feeling of star anise. Prolonged exposure to the smell can cause discomfort.

3. Taste: Taste (Be cautious! Only lick a small amount, do not swallow)

Star Anise: When licked, it tastes sweet and spicy, with a mellow aftertaste, and no numbness.

Japanese Star Anise: When licked, it tastes spicy and bitter, and quickly causes a numb tongue sensation, and in severe cases, it can irritate the throat. This is the most crucial distinction point.

II. Supplementary Identification: Check the internal structure of the fruit and the price

1. Internal structure of the fruit

Star Anise: Each point contains a plump seed, which is flat and oval-shaped, with a smooth and shiny surface.

Japanese Star Anise: The seeds inside the points are small and shriveled, or even absent, or the seeds are irregularly shaped and have a rough surface.

2. Price and Channel

Star Anise: Due to its production and quality, the price is relatively stable (commonly 30-60 yuan per jin in the market), and it is sold in regular supermarkets and spice stalls in markets, with packaging labeled "star anise" or "star anise".

Japanese Star Anise: Mostly wild, without regular circulation channels, the price may be abnormally low, often passed off as "low-priced star anise", and is often found in non-regular markets and roadside stalls.

III. Key Reminders (Safety First)

Do not buy "abnormal star anise": If the number of points exceeds 9, the tips are sharp, and the color is light, avoid it no matter how low the price is.

Do not taste blindly: If the appearance is difficult to distinguish, prioritize judgment through "number of points + smell", and try not to lick; if you accidentally consume a small amount of Japanese star anise and experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and numbness, induce vomiting immediately and seek medical attention.

Prioritize regular channels: When purchasing, choose supermarkets and brand spice stores, and avoid buying unmarked bulk "star anise" to reduce risks.

We are the supplier. If you are interested in star anise, please click on GNF to contact us.