Star anise
This exotic dried spice looks a little like pot-pourri but is actually a key flavour in Chinese cuisine. Star anise is an important element of Chinese five-spice powder as well as the Indian spice, garam masala.
This star-shaped fruit of a small tree usually has eight points, is sweet and aromatic when used in moderation and is similar to aniseed, hence the name, but more bitter.
![Star anise](https://www.deliciousmagazine.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/289892-1-eng-GB_176.jpg)
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