NAME: Illiciumverum

FAMILY: Schisandraceae 

ORIGIN: China

APPEARANCE: recognizable star shape; there is a seed in each branch of the star

TASTE: the taste is reminiscent of menthol

HEALING POWERS: has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory characteristics, helps with coughing, reduces pain

PART OF PLANT: fruit

PROCESSING METHOD: it is harvested while it is still green and it dries until it is a hard, nutty-brown color

COOKERY: 

• spice in holiday cookies
• one of the 5 traditional Chinese spices

CATERING/HOSPITALITY: 

• spice for mulled/spiked wine, tea and punch, but also for many cold cocktails, herbal liqueurs and anise-based drinks (Ouzo, Pernod, Sambuca, ..)
• it goes well with citrus and spices like cinnamon and cloves

• dark, dry place at room temperature
• shelf life: 24 months