Description

Star anise seeds come from the dried, star-shaped pods of an unusual Chinese evergreen tree with redolent flowers, related to magnolia trees. Grown across South Asia, star anise seeds have a sweet warmth evoking licorice, fennel, or cinnamon with a slight bitterness. It's named for the star-shaped pods from which the spice seeds are harvested.The seeds add deep flavor when gently simmered into Asian soups, braises, and sauces for pork, duck, and vegetables. Use to spice tea, sweets, and bread.