Spice
Chinese Star Anise
S tier
Chinese star anise is the origin-and-cuisine name for I. verum from Chinese production zones that supply most of the world’s culinary stars—deep sweet anise for red-braised meats and master stocks. Quality Chinese stars are reddish-brown, intact, and oily-fragrant. Broken points still flavour well for grinding. Indispensable in lu sauce aromatics.
Track this ingredient
Unit
Characteristics
Preparations
Five SpiceHong ShaoMaster StockWhole
Traits
China OriginChineseEssentialGlobal SupplyMaster StockRed BraiseSweet AniseWarm
History
CN
Chinese regional cookery codified star anise in braises.
CN
Export Chinese star anise dominated world supply.
Western Chinese restaurants taught Chinese star anise to global diners.
CN
Premium single-origin Chinese star anise reached spice boutiques.