The easiest way to distinguish between real and fake star anise is as follows:

1, look at the appearance: star anise as the name suggests is that there are eight horns, we must look carefully when you buy star anise, only eight horns of the real star anise, if you happen to see is not eight horns of the fake star anise, this fake star anise is called mangosteen, the appearance and the star anise is very much like, but it is generally longer 11 or 13 horns. But it is generally the elder 11 horns also have 13 horns.

2, different sharp corners: false anise and anise carefully look at their sharp corners will find that they are different, anise each corner of the end of a straight line, the fruit is exposed, is a rounded obtuse shape. Fake star anise each corner is hook-shaped, more pointed, the tip of each corner will be cocked, like an eagle hook.

3, look at the color: normal good anise color is brownish-red and shiny, while the fake anise is generally earthy yellow, the surface is rough without luster, the color is relatively light compared to the real anise.

4, smell: the smell of star anise is very strong, fine taste there will be a little bit of sweetness, but the fake anise will have a very strong taste of mothballs, the taste is also a little bit of acid, after tasting the tongue will have a numb feeling.

Buying star anise:

Buying star anise when counting the corner of star anise, the normal 10 or less star anise can be purchased normally, more than ten corners is fake star anise, can not be bought.

Dry enough anise can be purchased, we buy anise when you will come across the surface is very wet anise, such anise is very easy to mold, can not be stored, so we should try to buy the surface is dry enough anise.

Good star anise smells fragrant, with a pure aniseed flavor. If there is a pungent odor or other flavors, it may be fake star anise.