star anise
A star-shaped, dark brown pod that contains a pea-sized seed in each of its eight segments. Native to China, star
ANISE comes from a small evergreen tree. Although the flavor of its seeds is derived from anethol (the same oil that gives
ANISE seed its pronounced flavor), star
ANISE has a different heritage-the magnolia family. Its flavor is slightly more bitter than that of regular
ANISE seed. In Asian cuisines, star
ANISE is a commonly used spice and tea flavoring. It's also widely used to flavor
LIQUEURS and baked goods in Western cultures. It can be found whole in Asian markets and some supermarkets, and as a ground ingredient in Chinese
FIVE-SPICE POWDER.
© Copyright Barron's Educational Services, Inc. 1995 based on THE FOOD LOVER'S
COMPANION, 2nd edition, by Sharon Tyler Herbst.
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