Star Anise or True Star Anise

Star anise (Illicium verum), also called “true star anise”, 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.