Star Anise

No, star anise is the fruit of the Asian evergreen Illicium verum, while anise seed comes from the herb Pimpinella anisum. Both taste liquorice-like because they contain anethole, but their botanical origins and culinary behaviour differ.

Japanese star anise, Illicium anisatum, contains neurotoxic compounds and is not edible. It closely resembles Illicium verum, so culinary star anise should come from a reputable food supplier rather than from an unidentified tree or decorative product.

Whole pods appear in Chinese five-spice mixtures, Vietnamese phở broth, braised meats, mulled drinks, and some Indian spice blends. They are usually simmered to release flavour and removed before serving because the woody pod is unpleasant to chew.

Illicium verum has been a major commercial source of shikimic acid, a precursor used to manufacture oseltamivir, sold as Tamiflu. Eating star anise does not reproduce the action or dosage of the finished antiviral medicine.