Star Anise

Also known as Chinese anise, star anise is a spice that is obtained from the fruit of a small evergreen tree (Illicium verum) native to China and Vietnam. This unusual fruit is star-shaped, with between five and ten pointed sections (about eight on average), each of which contains one light brown pea-sized seed. The stars are available whole or ground to a red-brown powder.

Although star anise is not related to anise, they do in fact both have a very similar aroma and flavour. However, star anise is the more powerful of the two, with a pungent liquorice fragrance and a harsh, bitter aniseed taste.

Star anise may be used to flavour both sweet and savoury dishes and is one of the most popular spices in Chinese cuisine, particularly with pork and duck recipes. It also works well when combined with dark soy sauce and added to beef and chicken dishes. It is commonly mixed with fennel, cloves, cinnamon and Szechwan pepper to produce Chinese five spice powder. It may also be added to fruit compotes, jams and sweets, as well as anise-flavoured liqueurs, such as anisette.

Whole stars can be added directly to the cooking liquid, where they can impart their flavour during the cooking time. Alternatively, segments (or sections) may be added, or the whole fruit may be ground and used as needed. However, the powerful flavour of star anise means that only a small amount of the spice will be required for any recipe.