Star anise is aptly named. Part of the tree that is used as spice is its eight-pointed star-shaped pod. These pods or fruits are harvested before they ripen and are usually dried.

It shares a name with anise which is a flowering herb. But star anise is a completely different plant that is native in China and Vietnam while anise is found more often in the Mediterranean region. Naturally the former is mainly a part of Asian cuisine while the latter is typically an ingredient in European cooking. It has been reported however that because star anise is less expensive to produce but provides comparable flavor, it may gradually replace anise in its culinary uses.

Star anise rightly belongs in the Superhuman Food Pyramid because of the wonderful therapeutic effects it can provide as well as its dense nutritional profile.

Keep reading to take a look at how star anise can help you become Superhuman… Continue reading →