Star Anise

Star anise is a spice made from the dried, star-shaped fruit of *Illicium verum*, an evergreen tree native to southern China and northern Vietnam.

Star anise is a spice made from the dried, star-shaped fruit of *Illicium verum*, an evergreen tree native to southern China and northern Vietnam. It is used in cooking for its licorice-like flavour and in products such as teas, liqueurs, perfumes, and some medicines. It is unrelated to true anise, although the flavours are similar.

Botany and source plant

Star anise comes from *Illicium verum*, an evergreen tree native to southern China and northern Vietnam. The commercially used part is the dried fruit, harvested before ripening.

Culinary uses

The spice is valued for its strong, sweet, licorice-like flavour and is used whole or ground. It is a key ingredient in Chinese five-spice powder and is also used in broths, teas, baked goods, and some liqueurs.

Industrial and pharmaceutical uses

Star anise oil is used as a flavouring and in products such as perfumes, soaps, toothpastes, and mouthwashes. The plant is also an important source of shikimic acid, a compound used in the manufacture of oseltamivir.

Distinction from true anise

Although star anise and true anise taste somewhat alike, they are unrelated botanically. True anise is *Pimpinella anisum*, while star anise is from the genus *Illicium*.