Star anise

This exotic flowering evergreen plant of the magnolia family, native to East Asia, is edible due to its star-shaped seed capsule, the star anise. Star anise originated from Chinese anise and is sometimes called "green anise", in England the name star anise is used as a synonym for star anise.

There is also a Japanese variety of the plant, called Illicium religiosum, whose fruits are poisonous. Star anise fruits have a sweet, slightly pungent flavor and a slightly pungent aroma, reminiscent of anise seed. Star anise's flavor enhances the quality of dishes, imparting freshness and aroma. Star anise has many culinary uses: as a seasoning, it is added to compotes, mousses, fruit dishes, alcoholic drinks and liqueurs, oil-based aperitifs, and is used to flavor fruit dishes and preserves. Star anise is used during long cooking periods, so it is added early in the cooking process. However, in large quantities, it can impart a bitter taste.

Ground star anise seeds are used to make warming drinks, strong star anise tea, or star anise coffee. Star anise is used as a spice in gravies and sauces for vegetable and rice dishes, in Eastern cuisine, meat dishes, poultry and game dishes, as well as in desserts and baked goods. It pairs well with black peppercorns, ginger root, fennel, and dill; cinnamon, cloves, cardamom; cumin, and coriander.