What is star anise?
Star anise
A star-shaped Chinese spice pod with a strong licorice flavor, used whole in braises and broths.
What it tastes like
Sweet licorice and anise, warm and slightly woody. It perfumes a whole pot from just one or two pods.
Where you’ll see it
Pho broth, Chinese braised pork and red-cooked dishes, five-spice, mulled wine and poached fruit.