Star anise is one of the few Chinese spices which have found a permanent home in the Czech Republic. This irregular, eight-pointed star-shaped fruit comes from an evergreen tree from the Magnolia family. The scent is slightly sweet and it has a distinctly liquorish like taste. This spice is typically used in oriental dishes based around pork, duck and chicken. It is also used in baked vegetables as well as dishes featuring soy or sweet and sour sauce. It also comes in useful with fish-based dishes, when baking pastries or for mulled wine.
Tip: Ground star anise is suitable for flavouring plum jam, pear compote or to flavour tea.