Star Anise

Easy to recognize, star anise is a dried seed pod about an inch across with 6 to 8 points, which comes from the Chinese magnolia tree. Each point of the star encases a shiny brown seed. It has a rich, spicy licorice flavor and is added to soups, sauces, braises, and poaching liquids where it imparts its unique flavor. Star anise is removed from the finished dish before eating. The Chinese believe that it also aids digestion and freshens the breath. You’ll find it in the dried spice section of many supermarkets and certainly in all Asian markets. Be sure to buy star anise that are whole and not broken; the pods begin to lose their flavor when broken. Star anise is one of the spices in Chinese five-spice powder.