Star Anise is a star shaped fruit, cultivated from a medium sized evergreen tree known as IlliciumVerum. The Star Anise has closely resembled anise in flavor is obtained from the fruit of this plant and harvested just before ripening.
Star Anise is the star shaped seedpod has a similar flavor to anise. A compound named anethole is responsible for the licorice like flavor in both. The star anise pod is dried before use as a spice, which turns it a deep brown color. The pods have six to eight prongs, each containing a single seed. It has a sweet, and spicy flavor. Star Anise is used mainly as spice Star Anise oil is a highly fragrant oil used in cooking, perfumery, soaps, toothpaste, mouthwashes, and skin cream.