Spices and Herbs (Star Anise)

Star anise (Illicium verum)
Star anise is a spice that closely resembles anise in flavor, obtained from the star-shaped pericarp of a small native evergreen tree of southwest China. The star shaped fruits are harvested just before ripening. It is widely used in Chinese cuisine, in Indian cuisine where it is an ingredient of garam masala, and in Malay/Indonesian cuisine. It is widely grown for commercial use in China, India, and most other countries in Asia. Star anise is also an ingredient of the traditional Chinese five-spice powder and ensures an authentic touch in the preparation of certain Chinese dishes.
It contributes to meat and poultry dishes, combining especially well with pork and duck. In Chinese cooking, where the ingredients are simmered for a lengthy period in dark soy sauce, star anise is nearly always added to beef and chicken dishes. Chinese stocks and soups very often contain the spice.
It is used as a spice in preparation of Biryani in Andhra Pradesh, a south Indian State. Star anise could be used as an addition to meat dishes, like bolognaise, as it enhances the flavour of the meat. The whole stars can be added directly to the cooking pot. Small amounts are used, as the spice is powerful. Stored whole in airtight containers, it keeps for well over a year.
In the West, star anise is added in fruit compotes and jams, and in the manufacture of anise-flavoured liqueurs such as anisette.
Star Anise is often confused with aniseed(anise). These are two different species of plant, but the one is sometimes substituted for the other.

See also "Spices and Herbs (Anise/Aniseed)"

spice star anise anise