Star Anise

Star anise is a spice made from the dried, star-shaped fruit of *Illicium verum*, an evergreen tree native to southern China and northern Vietnam.

Star anise is a spice made from the dried fruit of *Illicium verum*, an evergreen tree native to southern China and northern Vietnam. Its star-shaped pods deliver a strong, sweet licorice flavour used in cooking, teas, and medicine.

What it is and where it comes from

Star anise is the dried, star-shaped fruit of *Illicium verum*, an evergreen tree native to southern China and northern Vietnam. Despite a similar flavour to true anise (*Pimpinella anisum*), the two plants are botanically unrelated.

Culinary uses

Valued for its licorice-like taste, star anise is used whole or ground. It is a key ingredient in Chinese five‑spice powder and is common in broths like pho, spiced teas, baked goods, and liqueurs. In Canada, it is widely sold in grocery stores and used in Asian and holiday cooking.

Industrial and pharmaceutical importance

Star anise oil flavours perfumes, soaps, and oral‑care products. The plant is also a major natural source of shikimic acid, a compound used to manufacture oseltamivir (Tamiflu).