Frontier Co-Op, Organic Whole Star Anise Select, 16 oz (453 g)

The aroma of star anise is strong and similar to licorice, more pungent than anise seed but similar. Its flavor is like anise but slightly sharper and bitter. Star anise is very popular in Chinese cooking, although it can also be found in other cuisines - such as South Vietnamese, Indonesian, Indian and Malaysian. It is used in Vietnamese noodle soup, and in Thailand you will find it flavoring iced black tea. In India it is an important ingredient in curry powder and garam masala mixtures, while in China it is a key ingredient in five spice powder and stews, with beef and chicken, and in marble eggs (Hors d'Ueevre). Mandarin Chinese often chew the whole fruit as a breath freshener. Star anise is also used to flavor liqueurs such as Aniisette and Pernod.

Try star anise in meat and poultry dishes (especially pork, duck, and chicken), soups and stews, and with fruits and compotes. Include it with other whole spices to marinate wine and cider.