Star Anise or Badian

Star anise (Illicium verum), also called “True Star Anise” or “Badian” is a plant species in the star anise family. It grows as an evergreen tree in the tropical regions of southern China and Vietnam. The tree’s seeds develop in star-shaped aggregate fruits, which gave the spice its name. Star anise is not related to anise (Pimpinella anisum).

Star anise has a slightly sweet flavor with a licorice-like note, accompanied by peppery and sour nuances. Because the pod is more aromatic than the seeds themselves, you use star anise with the pod intact or grind it into a powder. It is an important ingredient in the well-known five-spice powder.

You can buy star anise in most supermarkets and, if you cannot find it there, in the spice aisle of Asian grocery stores.

In Thailand the spice is called , in Vietnam it is known as , in China , in Japan and in Korea .