Botanical name - Illicium verum
Country of Origin - China
Common names: Badain, Badiana, Chinese Anise, anis de la Chine, anise étoilé, badiane, Sternanis, anice stellato, anis estrllado, badian, ba chio, ba(ht) g(h)ok, bart gok, pa-chiao, pak kok, peh kah, bunga lawang.
Star anise has a licorice taste similar to regular anise, only stronger with a very pungent aroma and is one of the spices in five-spice powder. Star anise plays a key role in the slow cooked dishes that characterize Eastern Chinese cuisine. Its licorice flavour enhances red cooked dishes, as well as eggs simmered in black tea.
Outside of China, star anise is featured in several of Vietnam's signature dishes, such as Pho Bo soup. It is also the secret ingredient in many Indian stews and curries. Star anise can replace regular anise in western recipes.