Star anise

Star anise is a type of spice that comes from an evergreen tree native to China and Vietnam.

The green, unripe fruits of the star anise tree are taken and dried in the sun until they become hard and dry. The dried star anise fruits can be used whole or ground.

Star anise fruits are shaped like a star, and their color when dried ranges between red and orange. Star anise has a strong smell, and its taste is very similar to that of licorice.

Star anise has many potential health benefits, and is even used medicinally to extract a substance that is included in some types of flu medications.