Star Anise’s Sweet Licorice Twist
Sweet and liquorice-like, star anise adds bold aromatic warmth to broths, braises, drinks, and baked goods.
Table of content
What does star anise taste like?
What are the main types of star anise?
How is star anise used in cooking?
What dishes pair well with star anise?
How do you store star anise?
Star Anise-Infused Broth
Star Anise
Illicium Verum
What is Star Anise?
Star anise is a key ingredient in many Asian cuisines, particularly Chinese and Vietnamese, where it flavours soups, braises, and pho.
Its distinctive liquorice aroma comes from the compound anethole, also found in aniseed and fennel.
Star anise is used whole for slow-cooked dishes or ground in spice blends like Chinese five-spice powder. It has also been valued for medicinal properties, including digestive and antimicrobial benefits.
Its unique shape and flavour make it a visually striking and aromatic spice in both sweet and savoury dishes.
Facts about Star Anise
Flavour & Taste
Star anise has an intensely sweet, liquorice-like flavour with warm, aromatic undertones and a subtle hint of spice. Its bold taste works beautifully in soups, braises, stews, and desserts, and both whole pods and ground star anise can be used to impart fragrance and depth.
Where Does Star Anise Come From?
Star anise is native to Northeast Vietnam and Southern China. It is also cultivated in other parts of Southeast Asia, including Thailand and India. The plant prefers warm, humid climates with well-drained soil.
Popular Varieties of Star Anise
Whole star anise
Dried star-shaped pods used in cooking and infusions.
Ground star anise
Powdered form for spice blends, baked goods, and sauces.
Chinese star anise
The standard culinary variety used worldwide.
Japanese star anise
Illicium anisatum
Toxic and not used in cooking, only ornamental.
FAQ
What does star anise taste like?
Star anise has a sweet, liquorice-like flavour with warming, aromatic notes and a hint of spice.
What are the main types of star anise?
Culinary types include whole star anise (pods), ground star anise (powdered), and Chinese star anise (the standard cooking variety). Japanese star anise is toxic and used only for ornamental purposes.
How is star anise used in cooking?
Use whole pods for slow-cooked dishes like soups, braises, and broths, or ground star anise in spice blends, baked goods, and sauces.
What dishes pair well with star anise?
Star anise complements Asian soups, pho, braised meats, Chinese five-spice dishes, and certain desserts, adding sweet, warm, and aromatic depth.
How do you store star anise?
Store whole or ground star anise in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to preserve its aroma and potency.
Recipe Idea
Star Anise-Infused Broth
Simmer 4 cups of water with 2 whole star anise pods, 1 cinnamon stick, ginger slices, and a dash of soy sauce for 10–15 minutes.
Use as a base for soups, ramen, or braised meats for a fragrant, spiced broth.
