Whole Star Anise

Star anise delivers a strong aroma and licorice-like, warming flavor to foods and beverages. Use this spice to deepen the flavor of tomato-based sauces, jams, as well as meat and poultry dishes, especially pork and duck, and even mulled wine. Like anise seeds, star anise gets its distinctive licorice taste from a chemical compound called anethol. The two are not related botanically, though, as star anise is a member of the magnolia family.