Blog - China FS Spices

Extraction of Essential Oil from Star Anise

March 27, 2023

The extraction of essential oil from star anise utilizes the property of volatility, allowing it to be distilled with steam. The dry fruits of star anise can contain 5-8% essential oil, which includes compounds such as anethole, methyl eugenol, aldehyde, and others. The primary component, anethole, accounts for about 80-90% of the total essential oil. Anethole is a white crystalline substance with a melting point of 21.4°C, soluble in benzene, ethyl acetate, acetone, carbon disulfide, and petroleum ether, but nearly insoluble in water. Materials and Equipment: Procedure: For the extraction of essential oil, weigh an appropriate amount of star anise coarse powder (with an oil content of about 1%, approximately 200-250g). Place it in the distillation flask, add sufficient water to soak, set up the steam distillation apparatus, heat, and pass steam for distillation. Collect the distillate until the distillate is no longer cloudy or aromatic, then stop the distillation.

Is star anise a true fruit or a false fruit?

March 27, 2023

True fruits have a simpler structure, consisting of an outer skin that contains seeds. The skin can be divided into three layers: the exocarp, mesocarp, and endocarp. The thickness of the skin varies. Typically, the exocarp has features like pores, a waxy coating, and may even have hairs, wings, or hooks. These characteristics help protect the fruit and aid in its dispersal, and they also serve as criteria for identifying species. Star anise is a true fruit, developed solely from the ovary.

Can pregnant women eat star anise?

March 27, 2023

It's best to avoid it. Star anise can warm the body, dispel cold, regulate qi, relieve pain, act as an antibacterial, promote digestion, and increase white blood cell count. Pregnant women should avoid eating it, but if you accidentally consumed a small amount as a seasoning, there's no need to worry. Just be more careful in the future. During pregnancy, it's important to avoid random foods and medications, especially those that promote blood circulation, as they may not be good for the baby's health.

Differences Between Star Anise and Fennel

March 27, 2023

Star anise, also known as Chinese star anise or large spice, has a strong and distinctive aroma and is a traditional Chinese spice. Fennel, on the other hand, is divided into two types: large fennel (which is actually star anise) and small fennel. Both are essential ingredients for cooking fish, stewing meat, and making braised foods. Large fennel refers to star anise, while the seeds of small fennel are used as a seasoning and go by names like fennel seeds, small fennel, or fragrant cumin. Let’s take a look at the differences between star anise and fennel! Differences in Botanical Classification Fennel: Fennel belongs to the plant kingdom, Angiosperms, Dicotyledons, the order Apiales, the family Apiaceae, and the genus Foeniculum. It is a perennial herb. Star Anise: Star anise belongs to the plant kingdom, Angiosperms, Dicotyledons, the order Illiciales, the family Illiciaceae, and the genus Illicium. It is an evergreen tree. Differences in Physical Characteristics Differences in Growing Regions Differences in Medicinal Properties

Which is more fragrant, thyme or thousand-mile fragrance?

March 27, 2023

When it comes to thousand-mile fragrance, many people unfamiliar with spices might confuse it with thyme because of the similar names. However, thyme and thousand-mile fragrance are two completely different spices. They also differ significantly in appearance—thyme is dried leaves, while thousand-mile fragrance is seeds. This makes it easy to distinguish between the two. Thyme is also commonly known as ground pepper, though it's worth mentioning that the flavor of thyme differs from domestic ground pepper. For simplicity's sake, we'll consider them in the same category. Thyme has a very strong, minty aroma, whereas thousand-mile fragrance, also known as seven-mile fragrance, has a distinct scent but lacks the minty notes. Thousand-mile fragrance has a spicy and bitter taste, which differentiates their uses. In terms of aroma clarity, thyme has a more penetrating fragrance than thousand-mile fragrance. Both are commonly used in the latter stages of spice blends, though in smaller amounts, with differing results. Since thyme has a clearer, more piercing scent, it enhances the overall fragrance with more intensity, while thousand-mile fragrance adds more spiciness and a longer-lasting flavor....

How to Care for Thyme for Maximum Growth

March 27, 2023

To promote robust growth in thyme, use a soil mix of leaf mold, peat, perlite, rice hull ash, and coarse sand. Keep the temperature around 68-77°F (20-25°C) and provide a cool environment during the summer. Ensure ample sunlight by placing thyme in a well-lit area. Water appropriately—only when the soil is dry, and when you do, soak it thoroughly. During its active growth phase, apply diluted fertilizer every two weeks. Pinch back seedlings promptly and trim regularly to encourage bushiness. 1. Soil Requirements For optimal growth and to encourage bushiness, thyme needs well-draining, loose, and aerated neutral soil. A mixture of leaf mold, peat, perlite, rice hull ash, and coarse sand is ideal. Repot every couple of years to provide fresh soil. 2. Suitable Temperature Thyme thrives in warm, cool climates with temperatures between 68-77°F (20-25°C). It dislikes high heat, so in summer, keep it in a shaded area and improve air circulation by misting the leaves. 3. Ample Sunlight Lack of sunlight can cause the plant to stretch. To promote bushiness, ensure thyme receives plenty of sunlight. In summer,...

Should you use thyme or rosemary when pan-searing steak?

March 27, 2023

Both rosemary and thyme can be used when pan-searing steak, but rosemary is more commonly used. Rosemary has a strong aroma that effectively eliminates any gamey smell from the meat. Typically, fresh rosemary sprigs placed on top of the meat during roasting or slow-cooking with other ingredients can enhance the overall flavor, especially when searing steak. Thyme, also known as savory in some regions, has a fragrant aroma and is more commonly used in French, Italian, and Middle Eastern cuisines. It's important to note that typically only the leaves are used, and they pair well with various meats and seafood, earning thyme the reputation of being the "harmonizer" of Western cuisine.

What Dishes Can Thyme Be Used In?

March 27, 2023

Thyme is actually not a traditional spice in our country; it originated as a popular seasoning in the West. The main ingredient is a plant called thyme, which has beautiful purple flowers. There are about three hundred varieties of thyme, making it a flavorful seasoning. In everyday cooking, thyme is often used to eliminate the gamey taste of meats, such as when marinating chicken, duck, or fish, infusing them with rich flavor. Thyme can also be added to rice or wine, enhancing their aroma. It’s excellent in soups and can serve as a natural preservative; adding it to sauces or sausages not only boosts flavor but also helps keep food fresh. Thyme is a versatile seasoning, making it a great choice for a wide range of dishes. Plus, you can easily find it in supermarkets, so consider adding some thyme to your cooking for extra flavor!

Differences Between Thyme and Rosemary

March 27, 2023

Thyme and rosemary are distinct plants. Although both belong to the Lamiaceae family, thyme is classified under the Thymus genus, while rosemary is part of the Rosmarinus genus, making them different genera. Overview of ThymeThyme is native to our country and is also known as ground pepper or mountain pepper. Its branches grow to a height of 1.5 to 10 centimeters, and the leaves are oval-shaped with 1 to 2 pairs of small serrations along the edges, which are hairless. Overview of RosemaryRosemary is a natural spice plant with a fresh, fragrant aroma. It is native to Europe, primarily found in central Europe and along the Mediterranean coast of North Africa. Rosemary plants can reach up to 2 meters in height, with linear leaves measuring 1 to 2.5 centimeters long and 1 to 2 centimeters wide. Key Differences Their benefits also differ. Thyme can promote blood circulation, boost immunity, soothe the lungs and cough, strengthen the spleen and stomach, and relieve pain. Rosemary, on the other hand, is primarily used to enhance alertness, improve brain function, and boost memory.