Star Anise (star anniss), also known as Chinese Star Anise in Chinese pinyin baijao "eight horn" or "eight corners" is a spice that closely resembles anise in flavor. It is a small evergreen tree commonly found in northeast Vietnam and southwest China. This spice is grounded into powder, and is a major component in India's garam masala, and in China's Five Spice. It is very flavorful, adds flavors to meats, and into liqueurs.
To purchase Star Anise, look for a good brand in an Asian mart, those are the best. But chain supermarket brands will do as well. Gourmet chefs will not use anything but the highest quality Star Anise. Ideally if a chef can get the pods fresh and dry them and then grind it the aroma says it all. Upon opening a bottle of Star Anise, if there's no aroma, you just wasted your money.
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