Star anise is the seed pod from the fruit of the Illicium verum plant, an evergreen shrub native to Southwest China. Although this star-shaped pod has a similar flavor and name to Spanish anise, the two plants are unrelated. A compound called anethole is responsible for the licorice-like flavor of both plants.
The star anise pod, which is shaped like a star (hence its name), has six to eight points, each containing a single seed. Both the seeds and the pod contain the sweet, potent anise flavor. Before it is used as a spice, it is dried, turning it a deep brown or rust color.
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