Star anise (Illicium verum) in a 50 gms pack: whole, dried star-shaped pods, the fruit of a Chinese evergreen tree. Each rust-brown pod spreads into pointed segments, many holding a glossy amber seed, and the spice takes its name from that star shape, the pods from which its seeds are harvested. Its flavour is reminiscent of licorice. Catalogue code: SIR10032