The price of star anise is mainly influenced by the place of origin. Illicium verum from different producing areas has different quality and price. Generally speaking, Illicium verum in Yunnan, Sichuan and other regions is cheaper, usually about 10- 15 yuan /kg, while Illicium verum in Guangxi and other regions is about 20-25 yuan /kg.
Expanding knowledge: how to buy high-quality star anise
1, smell it
Good star anise tastes soft and fresh. It smells easy to accept and has a long aftertaste. If star anise smells strong and irritating, it means that star anise is not fresh or has been treated with chemicals. It is not recommended to buy this star anise.
2. Look at the color
Good quality Illicium verum is dark red and brown, some are yellowish brown, usually with dark color and natural luster. If you see that the color of star anise is light and dark, it is dark yellow-brown, and the surface is not shiny, it is generally inferior star anise, and its taste is not as good as the natural aroma of high-quality star anise, so it will have a spicy taste.
3. Number of petals
The octagon is called octagon because it has eight petals, each of which is roughly the same in shape and size. A good octagon has a regular shape and size, but the size is different. The quality of octagonal petals with insufficient petals is slightly worse.
Besides paying attention to the quality of star anise, we should also pay attention to a kind of star anise, which looks like star anise but has many petals. Also known as poison star anise. It can't be used as a condiment, but it also contains toxic substances. If you buy it wrong, it will do some harm to the human body. You must pay attention when you buy it.