Anise stars (otherwise known as Chinese Anise), are completely unrelated to anise seeds, and are the star-shaped fruit of an evergreen tree from the Magnolia family. Native to warmer climates like southern China and Indochina, anise stars have a stronger slightly-sweet licorice flavor as anise seeds, but also has clove and fennel seed tasting notes. It’s widely used in Asian cooking, Greek and French adult beverages, and is a key ingredient in Chinese five-spice powder.

Cooking notes

• Brew a comforting tea with a few Anise Stars, a touch of honey, and a squeeze of lemon for a soothing, warm drink.

• Incorporate Anise Star Whole into your five-spice powder blend, enhancing the richness of your stir-fries, grilled meats, and roasted vegetables.

• Elevate your pastry game by infusing the Anise Star into your dough or cream fillings, offering a subtle licorice hint that balances the sweetness of your baked goods.

• Add a few stars to your poaching liquid for fruits like pears and apples, providing a complex layer of flavor that complements the natural sweetness of the fruit.

• Experiment with a sprinkle of ground Anise Star in your marinade for poultry, pork, or seafood, gifting your dishes with a unique depth of flavor that dances between sweet and bitter.