Knowra Star anise Star anise Star anise is the star-shaped fruit of Illicium verum, an evergreen tree native to parts of Asia. Its dried pods contain aromatic seeds and are used as a spice.
Illicium verum : An evergreen tree native to parts of Asia whose fruit is harvested as star anise. This is the tree species that produces the spice.
Chinese cuisine : The diverse culinary traditions of China and its regions. Star anise seasons braises, broths, and spice blends in many Chinese dishes.
Japanese star anise : The fruit of Illicium anisatum, a plant whose pods resemble those of culinary star anise and are toxic. Its resemblance makes mistaken identification a serious safety risk.
South China : The southern region of China, encompassing several provinces and distinct climates and cultures. Parts of southern China are within the native range of Illicium verum.
Schisandraceae : A family of flowering plants that includes Illicium and Schisandra. Illicium verum belongs to this plant family.
Five-spice powder : A Chinese spice blend commonly made with star anise, cloves, cinnamon, Sichuan pepper, and fennel. Star anise is often the blend’s most prominent flavor.
Illicium anisatum : An East Asian tree whose poisonous fruit is known as Japanese star anise. This related species is the source of the dangerous look-alike.
Vietnam : A country in Southeast Asia bordering China, Laos, and Cambodia. Northern Vietnam is also part of the tree’s native range.
Aggregate fruit : A fruit formed from multiple separate ovaries of one flower. The star-shaped structure consists of joined, seed-bearing fruitlets.
Vietnamese cuisine : The culinary traditions of Vietnam, shaped by regional ingredients and historical exchange. Star anise is a defining aromatic in many versions of phở broth.
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