Vainas enteras de anís estrellado, Vietnam

Prized for cooking and commonly used in Asia for centuries, star anise is most famous as an ingredient in the Chinese five-spice mix. Aptly referred to as Star Anise due to its appearance and flavor, this prized spice is the seed pod from the fruit of Illicium Verum, a type of evergreen shrub. The seed pods grow in the shape of an eight-point star and host similar flavor properties of anise. Whole star anise pods are not the same as anise, but because the flavor is so similar (due to the shared flavoring compound, anethole), the two are often used interchangeably in dishes.

The spice has commonly been used for both medicinal and culinary purposes. It is often present in braises, soups, stews, pickling, candying, and much more. In European kitchens and recipes, star anise is used for a plethora of baking and flavor applications: duck, tea, honey hams—you name it, star anise plays a co-starring role.

These wonderful little ninja stars of the spice world, are an amazing example of a tiny product that packs a punch and a kick. Whole star anise pods are often described as having a flavor and aroma profile of black licorice; however, they are also sweet and spicy and should be used in complimentary moderation so as not to overpower a dish or recipe.