Star Anise: The Chinese Spice That’s Here to Add Some Drama to Your Dish

Meet Star Anise, the Chinese superstar spice that brings the bold flavor of black licorice to the table. If you’ve ever sipped on Jaegermeister and thought, “What is this magical potion?”—you’ve already danced with the delightful essence of Star Anise. Yes, it’s playing a leading role in that fine adult beverage, so consider it your secret ingredient for impressing friends at your next gathering (or at least for pretending you’re fancy).

But let’s talk freshness: you can tell a good Star Anise from a sad, stale one based on its flotation skills. That’s right—fresh anise stars are the Michael Phelps of the spice world; they float with grace while their withered counterparts sink like sad little stones. So, if you want the real deal, make sure yours is still putting on a show at the top of the spice jar.

Use this aromatic wonder in everything from savory dishes to holiday baking, and prepare to wow your guests with your exotic flair. Just don’t blame us if they start asking for your secret recipe—some culinary mysteries are best left unsolved.