Star Anise

Star anise (Illicium verum), also called Chinese anise, is a member of the magnolia family and the product of a small evergreen native to southwest China. The Chinese name, literally “eight points,” refers to the hard, star-like brown pod, each point of which holds a glossy brown seed. Both the pod and the seed are used. The whole pod is very pretty in a dish, and I like to use it as a garnish. Break into individual points if less than eight are required, or when greater permeation of flavor is wanted.