Star Anise (Illicium verum) is a highly aromatic spice recognized by its distinctive star-shaped pods and its bold, sweet licorice-like flavor and aroma. It is widely used in botanical spirits, liqueurs, bitters, culinary preparations, and absinthe-style recipes where a strong, clean anise character is desired.

Star anise has a naturally rich concentration of aromatic compounds that provide an intense sweet anise, licorice, and lightly spicy character. Because of its strength, only a small amount is typically needed to make a noticeable contribution to a botanical blend.

In absinthe-style and other botanical spirit recipes, star anise can be combined with traditional botanicals such as wormwood, anise seed, fennel seed, angelica root, lemon balm, and hyssop. It can help deepen the anise profile and add another layer of complexity to the finished aroma and flavor.

Star anise is also well suited for gin-style botanical blends, herbal liqueurs, bitters, spiced spirits, teas, syrups, and numerous culinary applications.

Common Uses:

• Absinthe-style botanical blends
• Botanical spirits and liqueurs
• Bitters and tincture-style preparations
• Spiced rum and specialty spirit recipes
• Herbal teas and infusions
• Syrups and flavoring blends
• Culinary spice blends

Flavor & Aroma: Bold anise and licorice, naturally sweet, warm, aromatic, and lightly spicy.

Botanical Name: Illicium verum

Star anise is a powerful botanical, so we recommend starting with a small quantity and adjusting according to your desired flavor profile.

Sold as whole dried star anise pods. Because this is a natural agricultural product, individual pods may vary in size, color, shape, and number of points.