Star Anise

Have you ever tasted authentic pho noodle broth and wondered where that intense aroma and depth of flavors come from? Of course, it’s from the beef bones, but a combination of different spices helps create layers of different flavors. The most distinctive is the sweet, licorice-flavored from no other spice than star anise.

Kitchen Creativity

Use whole pods and seeds, grind them up, and make extracts to add to your cooking.

Releasing the Flavors

Toasting whole seeds before grinding can help to bring out their intense licorice flavors. Adding whole pods toward the end of cooking can help to avoid the bitter taste it gives from cooking too long.

Suggested Uses

• Tea - Add to tea for licorice flavor.

• Broth, stews, vegetables - Add a pinch of grounded anise.

• Cookies - Ground up and add to cookie dough.

• Apple cider - Combine with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and orange peel to make mulling spices.

• Tea, coffee, cocktails - Simmer seeds or pods for a few minutes and strain to bring out flavors.

• Pickling - Add whole pods or extract.

Highlighted Benefits

Star anise has antioxidant properties, rich in vitamins A and C. Drinking tea or broth made with star anise may help digestion and relieve cramps and gas.

Fun Fact

In temples in Japan, the bark is burned as incense.