FDA Warns on Star Anise Use | Edible vs Toxic Varieties

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the safety and use of star anise, particularly in the context of brewing teas or infusions. Participants explore the differences between edible and toxic varieties, the implications of FDA warnings, and personal experiences with star anise and related flavors.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant mentions the FDA's warning against consuming teas brewed from star anise, highlighting the existence of both edible Chinese and toxic Japanese varieties.
  • Another participant questions the need to brew star anise, suggesting it may not be necessary for colic relief.
  • A participant expresses a preference for the taste of star anise and shares a link to a reassuring source from the American Botanical Council.
  • There is a suggestion to consider anisette as an alternative to brewing star anise, with a clarification that anise is a different plant that is safe for consumption.
  • One participant describes their experience with American licorice, contrasting it with Dutch varieties and noting the distinct taste differences.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the necessity and safety of using star anise, with some advocating for its use while others raise concerns based on FDA warnings. There is no consensus on the best approach to consuming star anise or the implications of its toxicity.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference various sources and personal experiences, but there are unresolved questions about the identification of star anise varieties and the implications of FDA warnings. The discussion includes subjective taste preferences and anecdotal evidence regarding licorice.

Monique
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Today I went to a herb/spice store and bought some whole star anise. I can make some good tasting tea (or as recently established: infusion) from that, I thought. Never having used star anise before, I check the internet, what do I find?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is advising consumers not to consume "teas" brewed from star anise. http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2003/NEW00941.html

Spoiling all the fun

Apparently there is a edible Chinese variety and a toxic Japanese variety which tend to get mixed up.. now all I've got to do is find a taxinomaly expert (how do you call plant experts!?) to tell me the difference..
 
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Botanist?

But why do you want to brew that stuff anyway? Are you suffering from colic?
 
Yes :) botanist :) I thought of that a few minutes ago.. And it is not scientifically proven that star anise relieves colic :P

Licorice is my favorite sweet (dutch have many varieties, not to be confused with the plastic tasting american variety), star tea is just incredibly sweet and I have a sweet tooth :D

I found a link from the American Botanical Council that is kinda reassuring:

http://www.celestialseasonings.com/research/allaboutherbs/staranise_abcpressrelease.php
 
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Why not save yourself the trouble & get a bottle of anisette?

Guess you have to choose your own poison :P

But...
ABC also pointed out that the public should not confuse star anise with anise, sometimes called aniseseed (Pimpinella anisum), a member of the carrot family. Anise is a safe, commonly used food flavoring that is also generally recognized as safe by the FDA. Because of its licorice-like taste, anise oil is the main ingredient used in making "licorice" candies in the U.S.
Is that the "plastic tasting American variety" you mentioned? (I think aniseed is the one used to make anisette.)
 
Anisette? Never heard of it :P And boiling some water with a piece of star anise in it isn't too much a trouble I guess?

I'll just be my own test bunny.

The plastic American variety of licorice I was pointing to is from the brand Twizzlers (I guess that is the name), that stuff is just like edible plastic.

I once brought real licorice candy (or liquorice) with me from the Netherlands to the US, lol, it stayed in their mouths just long enough for the taste bud signal to travel to their brain, sending a reflex to spit it out.. the stuff is quite salty :P actually, the salt is ammoniumchloride.. I guess most people aren't used to eating that..