Organic Star Anise Seeds

Our organic star anise seeds is harvested from a small evergreen tree "Illicium verum" that grows mostly in southern China and Southeast Asia. It's sometimes referred to as Chinese star anise and is picked before the green fruit fully ripens. The fruit is then dried which allows them to harden. Star anise is one of the ingredients found in Chinese five-spice powder.

Star anise is used in Chinese cuisine, Vietnamese dishes like pho noodle soup, tea blends, sauces, broths, and as a seasoning for roast duck and other meats. In Western cultures, it is used to flavor liqueurs like after-dinner drinks of sambuca, absinthe, and pastis. The licorice taste also makes it a popular ingredient for baked goods.

What is the difference between star anise & anise?

• Both spices contain the word "anise" in their name and have a licorice-like flavor, but the similarities stop there. In fact, star anise and anise seed are derived from completely different plants that originate from opposite sides of the world. In some recipes, they can be substituted for each other, but there are some key differences to keep in mind.
• Star anise comes from the fruit of the Chinese evergreen tree "Illicium verum", which is found in Southeast Asia. It's named for the unique star-shaped pods from which the spice is derived. Each pod contains one seed and both the seed and pod are used in cooking. The essential oil anethole gives star anise its characteristic licorice-like flavor.
• Anise seed (sometimes called "aniseed") originates from Egypt and the eastern Mediterranean. It's derived from the anise plant "Pimpinella anisum", a herb in the parsley family. The seeds are small and oblong, similar to fennel seeds. Like star anise, anise seed gets its licorice-like flavor from anethole, but it has a much tamer flavor.
• Their similar licorice-like flavor makes these two natural substitutes for each other. However, because star anise has a much stronger flavor, you'll need to halve the amount when substituting it for anise seed. Likewise, use twice as much anise seed when substituting for star anise.