Star anise is the seed pod from the fruit of the Illicium verum plant, an evergreen shrub native to Southwest China. The star anise pod, which is shaped like a star (hence its name), has an average of eight points, each containing a single pea-sized seed.

Whole star anise pods have an aniseed flavour with notes of liquorice.

The whole pods are added to braised dishes, soups, and stews to infuse flavour and are removed at the end of cooking.