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Dry Goods, Spices
Star Anise is a spice consisting of the dried, star-shaped fruits of a slender evergreen that is a member of the Magnolia family and native to China. Although flavored by the same oil, anethole, as anise seed, the two spices are unrelated. The eight to twelve pointed star anise imparts a much stronger, sweeter licorice flavor than do Spanish anise seeds. It is one of the flavors in Chinese five spice and is used widely in cooking and in flavoring tea in Asia. Star anise is used in roasted meats, and it heightens the flavor of stewed fruits, pies and other desserts.
Very nice!
By dh from Vancouver, WA on 1/25/2009
Gift:
No
Pros:
Exotic, Flavorful, Fresh, Non Perishable
Best Uses:
Cooking, Seasoning
Describe Yourself:
Foodie
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Comments about China Star Anise:
Star anise is something I don't use a lot, but love to have on hand for "just in case" -- and because I just find them so darned beautiful to look at! Personally, I am as likely to use star anise in making my own herbal incenses and potpouris as in cooking, but I do a fair amount of Chinese cooking, and find them indispensable for that, as well. The ones from igourmet.com come in a handy reuseable little tin that keeps them fresh and undamaged for a long time.
The freshest spice I have ever seen
By Brad from Orlando , Florida on 5/2/2007
Pros:
Exotic
Cons:
Too strong
Best Uses:
Cooking
Describe Yourself:
Chef
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Comments about China Star Anise:
This product was very hard to find.