Star anise (Illicium verum) is a spice known for its distinctive star-shaped appearance and sweet, licorice-like flavor. Star anise is shaped like a star with 5 to 8 pointed segments, each containing a seed. The outer husks are dark brown and tough, while the inner seed is smooth and light brown.It has a strong, sweet, and licorice-like flavor with a slightly bitter undertone. The aroma is aromatic, spicy, and reminiscent of fennel or licorice. Star anise is widely used in cooking, particularly in Asian cuisines such as Chinese, Vietnamese, and Indian cuisines. It is a key ingredient in Chinese five-spice powder and is often used to flavor broths, soups, marinades, and braised dishes. It pairs well with meats (especially pork and duck), seafood, vegetables, and desserts. In traditional medicine, star anise is believed to aid digestion, alleviate cramps, and relieve coughs and flu symptoms. It contains compounds like shikimic acid, which is used in the production of the antiviral drugs