Star Anise is also known as anise star or Chinese star anise and the Chinese translation means eight points and whole star anise typically features eight points,  but they can also be found with as few as five and as many as twelve points. In addition to the ground Star Anise we also offer the handpicked Star Anise with a minimum of 75% whole stars.

Indigenous to eastern China and northeastern Vietnam, star anise is now cultivated in China, Laos, Italy, France, India, Jamaica, Morocco, the Philippines and Spain with the top suppliers located in China and Vietnam. The aroma of ground anise is assertive with licorice undertones and is similar to anise seed (which is not quite as pungent). Its flavor is also both harsher and slightly more bitter than anise seed.

In India Star Anise is a staple ingredient in Garam MasalaCurry Powder seasoning blends and in China it is a key ingredient in Chinese Five Spice.

Star Anise works well in combination with cassia cinnamon, chili powder, coriander, fennel, garlic, ginger, Lemon Grass and Sichuan Peppercorns.