Anise Star is very sweet and licorice-like, similar to aniseed (though the plants are not related).
In China, which has used it for centuries, star anise is a key ingredient in five-spice powder (with cloves, cinnamon, fennel, and Sichuan peppercorns).
Star anise can be used whole or ground. When adding ground Star Anise use conservatively as it is a strong spice.
