Anise Star Ground

Considered one of the prettiest spices, star anise seedpods look like stars with eight canoe-shaped “points” that split open to reveal lustrous brown seeds. The whole dried spice is incredibly hard and difficult to grind by hand. Star anise powder is commercially ground from both the seeds and pods (which are considered the most flavorful part). The spice has a pungent aroma — warm, sweet, and spicy — with a flavor similar to anise or licorice. It is potent and best used sparingly, whether whole or ground.

In Chinese and Vietnamese cooking, star anise is often used to flavor soups and stocks. The ground spice is found in spice rubs for roasts and meats and is a main ingredient in Chinese five-spice powder. Although less common in the West, star anise flavors some syrups, cordials, and liqueurs like anisette.

Medicinally, star anise contains compounds, notably the volatile oil anethole, that may help fight infection and inflammation. In traditional Chinese medicine, star anise is used as an expectorant to clear mucus from the respiratory tract, as well as a digestive aid to relieve gas and bloating.