WHAT IS STAR ANISE?
Star anise is a star-shaped spice native to China and Vietnam. It's derived from the fruit of the Chinese evergreen tree Illicium verum. Recognizable by its distinct eight-pointed shape, star anise is commonly used in the kitchen, especially in Asian cuisines. It's often found in the spice blends of five-spice powder and garam masala, which can add a unique depth of flavor to your recipes.
Star anise was originally used as a medicinal herb in traditional Chinese medicine because it was thought to have health benefits. By the 17th century, star anise had made its way to Europe and became a popular flavor in baked goods and beverages. Today, it’s a staple in kitchens around the world.
WHAT DOES STAR ANISE TASTE LIKE?
Anise flavor is often described as sweet and licorice-like, with subtle hints of clove and cinnamon. Its intense aroma can take a dish from ordinary to extraordinary. When used in the right amounts, star anise adds warm, spicy notes that elevate both sweet and savory recipes.
WHAT IS STAR ANISE USED FOR?
Star anise is a favorite in many Asian cuisines. Recipes using star anise often include traditional Vietnamese pho and Chinese braised dishes. It’s also fantastic in desserts, beverages, and even cocktails. The sweet undertones in star anise make it a surprisingly delightful addition to cookies, cakes, and other baked treats.
STAR ANISE VS. ANISE SEED
While star anise and anise seed share a similar licorice-like flavor, they are distinct spices. Anise seed comes from the Pimpinella anisum plant, native to the Mediterranean region. It has a milder flavor compared to the bolder taste of star anise.
HOW TO COOK WITH CHINESE STAR ANISE
Cooking with star anise is easy—just toss the whole pods into broths, stews, or sauces to infuse your dish with its signature flavor. A little goes a long way, so be sure to remove the pods before serving, as they’re hard and not meant to be eaten whole.
Whole star anise is often used for slow-cooked recipes, while anise seed is typically ground and used in baking. If you’re out of star anise, you can substitute with anise seed—just adjust the quantity to get the right flavor.
FLAVOR PAIRINGS WITH STAR ANISE
Star anise’s sweet and spicy profile pairs beautifully with other spices and ingredients. Here are a few spices that complement star anise flavor:
- Cinnamon: The warm sweetness of cinnamon blends well with star anise in various dishes.
- Ginger: Adds spicy warmth, making it a great pairing in both sweet and savory recipes.
- Cardamom: Known as the "Queen of Spices," cardamom's sweet taste and bold aroma balance star anise in both baked goods and spicy dishes.
STAR ANISE SUBSTITUTES
If you’re out of star anise, don't worry. Several other spices can fill in with a similar flavor. Anise seed, as mentioned above, makes a great substitute. Fennel seeds, with their sweet and slightly licorice-like flavor, can also work in a pinch.
Another option is making your own spice blend. Try mixing equal parts of ground anise seed, fennel seed, and a pinch of cinnamon for a flavor that mimics the complexity of star anise.
GRAB YOUR STAR ANISE PRODUCTS
- McCormick Gourmet™ Chinese Five Spice Blend
- McCormick Gourmet™ Organic Anise Seed
- McCormick™ Pure Anise Extract
