Star Anise is used extensively in Chinese and South East Asian cuisines. It Is an essential component of the Chinese five-spice mix and an important flavour in the Vietnamese pho (beef and noodle soup). Added to syrup or honey it becomes a glaze for duck and pork dishes and is used to flavour stocks and soups. Star Anise has also replaced anise in many liqueurs and brandies and is used for flavouring fish and seafood as well as enhancing the sweetness of leeks, pumpkin, and root vegetables.
