Star Anise

Star anise is the fruit of a stout evergreen tree called Illicium verum.  Both the star shaped fruit and round seeds are dried and used as a spice.  Unlike fennel seed, the seeds of the star anise fruit have little anise flavour.  It is the woody fruit body that packs the most punch.

The distinctive flavour of star anise is due to anethole, the same chemical that gives anise and aniseed their dominant flavour.

According to Harold McGee’s On Food and Cooking, when star anise is cooked with onions, ‘sulfur-phenolic aromatics’ are produced that ‘intensify the meatiness of the dish’.

Star anise is a component of Chinese five spice powder, and found frequently in Chinese cooking.  It is also used to flavour Vietnamese Pho.

Star anise can be ground for home made five spice powder in a coffee grinder or food processor, but be sure to sift out any woody chunks afterward – they will not soften when cooked.

Star anise can be purchased at many Asian markets, and even at most supermarkets [at least in the Vancouver area].  It is relatively cheap, with a 100g bag running $2.50 or so.  Whole star anise can be kept for many months in an airtight container.