Star Anise | Chakra Phool

Star Anise, or Chakra Phool, is an exotic spice native to Southeast Asia, particularly India, Vietnam, China, and Laos. It is the star-shaped flower of the Illicium verum plant and is widely used in sweet and savoury dishes.

It has a strong, pungent flavour and aroma, with liquorice, fennel, and clove notes. 

It is a crucial ingredient in traditional Chinese Five Spice Powder and many Indian spice blends, such as garam masala. 

These are premium hand-harvested spices from our partner farms in Arunachal Pradesh, the largest producing state.

Elevate your culinary creations with Star Anise Chakra Phool. Handpicked at the peak of freshness, these whole star anises offer an intense burst of flavour and aroma.

With warm, sweet notes and a touch of citrus and pepper, they add a tantalizing tingle to your dishes.

Chakra Phool embodies balance and harmony, taking your recipes from ordinary to extraordinary.

Experience the essence of harmony with every bite. Try Star Anise Chakra Phool today!

What is chakra phool, and what are its uses?

Chakra phool, or star anise, is a spice commonly used in cooking and traditional medicine. It is known for its distinct flavour, aroma, and various health benefits.

It can be used in teas, soups, stews, and desserts to add depth and complexity to the dishes.

Star Anise Spice

It is a versatile spice that can be used whole or ground, adding depth and complexity to any dish.

In addition to cooking, It is also used to flavour liqueurs and confectioneries in Indian recipes like biryanis, soups, Kadha (concatenation), curries, and some desserts.

It has been used for centuries in traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine for its health benefits.

Price of Star Anise

Discover the unbeatable price of star anise! Take advantage of this fantastic opportunity to add this flavorful spice to your cooking.

Order now and enhance the taste of your favourite dishes with the distinct and aromatic flavour of chakra Phool.

Anise is a spice with a liquorice-like flavour commonly used in Indian and Chinese cuisine. It is often called chakra phool in India due to its star shape.

Chakra Phool Masala Spice

Chakra Phool masala is a popular spice in India. It is used in traditional Indian spice blends such as garam masala, a mix of warm spices in various dishes, including curries, biryani, soups, and stews.

Some call it Phool Chakri Masala, used in multiple dishes and spice blends.

In Indian cooking, Chakra Phool is often used whole, giving dishes a mild and sweet liquorice flavour.

It is also sometimes ground into a fine powder and added to spice blends, which helps to enhance the flavour and aroma of dishes.

Illicium verum - Scientific Name for this Spice

This Spice is a member of the Schisandraceae family. I. Verum is a small native evergreen tree of Arunachal Pradesh, Some part of Konkan or the coastal belt of Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Kerala in India, northeast Vietnam, and southwest China.

Anise Star

In addition to cooking, Chakra Phool is also used in traditional Indian medicine for its health benefits.

It is believed to have antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties, making it helpful in treating various ailments, such as indigestion, coughs, and respiratory infections.

Chakra Phool in India

Chakra Phool is widely available in India and can be found in most grocery stores and spice shops.

It is typically sold whole or ground and stored for several months in an airtight container, away from light and moisture, to preserve its flavour and aroma.

Chakra Phool is a popular and versatile spice used in cooking and traditional medicine in India. Its sweet liquorice flavour and health benefits make it a valuable addition to any Indian kitchen.

Star Anise: A Versatile and Nutritious Spice with Potential Risks

 

Chakraphool, or Illicium verum, is a popular ingredient in various dishes, particularly Chinese cuisine. It is an evergreen tree native to southern China and is a member of the Schisandraceae family.

The Spice is derived from the dry fruits of the spice tree and has a distinctive liquorice-like flavour.

The seeds are dried and used as a whole spice or ground into a powder.

The whole pods and chakraphool oil are also commonly used in cooking. In this article, we will explore the properties of chakraphool, its uses, potential risks, and how to store it properly.

Properties of Star Anise

It contains shikimic acid, a chemical compound used to produce the antiviral drug Tamiflu.

The masala also has essential oil, which is used in aromatherapy and has antimicrobial properties.

It is rich in antioxidants, which help to fight free radicals in the body. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Uses of Star Anise | Chakraphool

It is a versatile spice that can be used in various dishes. It is a common ingredient in Chinese cooking, particularly braised pork belly, beef noodle soup, and five-spice powder. It is also used in Japanese cuisine, badiyan or shikimi. In addition to its culinary uses, Masala is also used in producing cosmetics, soaps, and perfumes.

Potential Risks

While chakra phool is generally safe in small amounts as a Masala, there are potential risks associated with its use.

Some people may be allergic to Chakraphool, which can cause an allergic reaction in some individuals.

In addition, a species of Chakra Phool known as Illicium anisatum is toxic and should not be consumed.

This species is sometimes mistakenly sold as chakra Phool, so purchasing star anise from a reputable source is vital. Finally, It should not be used by pregnant women, as it may cause contractions.

Storing Star Anise

Storing your Chakra Phool in a calm and dark place is recommended to keep it fresh and flavorful.

You can store whole star anise pods in an airtight container in the spice aisle of your pantry.

Ground star anise should be used within six months of opening and stored in a cool and dry place. If you have made cookies containing Chakraphool, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.

Tasty Spice for your food

Star anise is a highly aromatic spice used in various culinary dishes to enhance their flavour and aroma. It is a rich source of vital nutrients like vitamin C, calcium, and iron, making it a healthy addition to any meal.

Apart from its culinary benefits, star anise is also valued for its medicinal properties and is a key ingredient in many medications and cosmetic products.

However, it is essential to exercise caution while using this spice. It can be potentially harmful if consumed in large quantities or if the toxic species Illicium anisatum is mistakenly used instead of the edible variety.

Keep Your Star Anise Fresh

Do you love cooking with spices? Then you must try star anise! But wait, before you get started, here's a quick tip: to keep your star anise fresh and flavorful, store it in a cool and dark place.

And, of course, always buy it from a trustworthy source. Trust me, you won't look back once you have this unique spice in your Garam masala collection! Remember, a little goes a long way, so use it in moderation. Happy cooking!

Product Features of the Best Masala Chakraphool

• Made from the dried fruit of Illicium verum 
• Natural Masala is popular in Chinese, Indonesian, Malaysian, and Indian cuisines. 
• It can be used as a flavouring agent in various dishes and is ideal for seasoning paneer, veg gravies, meat and fish. 
• The Masala has a bold and robust flavour for culinary and medicinal purposes. 
• It adds a liquorice-like flavour to dishes like biryani, garam masala, and more. 
• To preserve its freshness, pack it in an airtight container.

Alternate Names

Annachi poo

asian star anise

badiyan

badiyan phool

chakr phool

chakri phool khada masala

Chinese star anise

star aniseed

star sompu

whole flower phool chakri

سٹار انیس

चक्र फूल

चक्रफूल

चक्री फूल

साबुत चक्री फूल

स्टार अनिस

स्टार एनीज़

स्‍टार ऐनिस

স্টার আনিস

ਸਟਾਰ ਸੌਂਫ

સ્ટાર વરિયાળી

அன்னாசி பூ பயன்கள்

స్టార్ సోంపు

ಸ್ಟಾರ್ ಸೋಂಪು

തക്കോലം 

• Wikipedia: A comprehensive overview of staranise, covering its botanical features, historical uses, and culinary applications. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illicium_verum
• Spice World: Learn about the cultivation, harvesting, and processing of staranise, with insights into its unique flavor profile and chemical composition. https://worldspice.com/products/star-anise
• Bon Appétit: Discover different ways to use star anise in your cooking, from broths and stews to desserts and cocktails. https://www.bonappetit.com/test-kitchen/cooking-tips/article/star-anise
• National Library of Medicine: Access scientific research on the medicinal properties of staranise, including its antimicrobial and antioxidant effects. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/336825719_StarAnise_A_review_on_benefits_biological_activities_and_potential_uses

Cultural and Historical Significance:

• The Spruce Eats: Explore the symbolism and traditional uses of staranise in various cultures, including Chinese medicine and Indian Ayurveda. https://spells8.com/lessons/star-anise-magical-properties/
• Atlas Obscura: Discover the fascinating story of how staranise became a valuable commodity in the spice trade, leading to explorations and geopolitical shifts. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illicium_verum
• Asian Food Network: Uncover the diverse culinary applications of staranise in different Asian cuisines, from Vietnamese pho to Chinese braised pork. https://www.staranisefoods.com/

Chakra Phool-Specific Resources:

• Star Anise India: This website from a leading Indian supplier of Star Anise offers detailed information about the Chakra Phool brand, including its sourcing, quality control, and unique characteristics. http://www.tajagroproducts.com/Chakra%20Phool%20%28Star%20anise%29.html
• Indian Spices Blog: Find recipes and cooking tips specifically using Chakra Phool star anise, highlighting its distinct flavour profile and culinary potential. https://gosumitup.com/all-about-star-anise-know-your-spice-chakra-phool