Star anise, the eight-pointed star, is great as a flavoring and braising spice for meats, as a digestive tea when smashed and steeped in boiling water, AND has a terrific licorice-y taste. Once only available in Asian markets, you can now buy it in the spice section of supermarkets. I like to smash it before I use it to release its full flavor. It’s great in savory dishes, such as the Braised Pork with Sweet Potatoes or in desserts such as the Poached Pears in Red Wine. It’s also great paired with cinnamon sticks. And it’s a great seasoning year-round (I also use it in meat marinades), but especially in time for Chinese New Year.

Happy Year of the Rat to Spices of Lifers and our friends at Apartment Therapy’s The Kitchn!!

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