Illicium verum is a condiment that is often eaten in daily life. Octagonal, as the name implies, is composed of eight angles. But the star anise sold in the market often tastes bad, and some even have bitter taste. But in fact, the real star anise flavor is very strong, with a strong star anise flavor. Put it in a pot for stew or soup, and it tastes delicious after adding it. Many vegetables especially like to cook with star anise, such as eggplant, wax gourd and beans.

But there is a fake star anise in the market, also called star anise mango. Its appearance is similar to that of Illicium verum, but its taste and mouthfeel are quite different, and it has certain toxin. I will share it with you today. When buying octagonal, you should know clearly whether it is right angle or hook angle. Don't buy it wrong. Please come with me and have a look.

First, look at its appearance. To be exact, there are eight octagonal angles. Please count the octagonal when you buy it. Generally, mangoes with angles of 65,438+00 to 65,438+02 pretend to be octagonal, and the tip of the fake octagonal is very slender. The real octagonal tip is not only slender, but also smoother and not particularly long.

Second, the sense of smell. The real star anise has a strong star anise flavor. When we usually stew meat, adding star anise will smell a clear fragrance, which is very different from the taste of weeds. But the fake star anise smells bitter and spicy, and it will affect the taste of the dish if it is put in the pot. So when you buy it, you must put the star anise on your nose and smell it carefully. Never be careless.

Third, taste the taste. Just as people taste herbs, star anise is easy to taste. Put a real star anise in your mouth, bite off a small piece and put it on the tip of your tongue to feel its taste. You can taste the deep sweetness in the fresh fragrance. This sweetness is the unique taste of star anise. When you stew it in meat, it can blend with the taste of meat and produce a very good smell. If you taste it with the tip of your tongue, the grass will have a faint bitterness. Because star anise contains fructose and glucose, it will adhere to the surface of star anise after drying in the sun. But if it is a weed, the taste will be sour and the tongue will feel numb. If you accidentally taste it, be sure to rinse your mouth quickly.