star anise

noun

: the small brown star-shaped pungent fruit of a Chinese and Vietnamese tree (Illicium verum) that has a flavor similar to but stronger than anise and is dried and used whole or ground as a spice especially in Chinese cooking

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Start with the big four: cinnamon or cassia, cloves, fennel seed, and star anise, then mix in something punchy like powdered ginger, white peppercorn, or even green or black pepper. —

Sarah Jampel, Bon Appétit, 13 Dec. 2024 Typical ingredients include whole or ground spices (like cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, peppercorns), herb sprigs (like rosemary, thyme, bay leaves), fruit (citrus, cranberries, apples), and extracts (vanilla, almond). —

Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 1 Dec. 2024 Santa's Sack Christmas Ale: brewed with nutmeg, cinnamon, fresh ginger and star anise, available in a four-pack of 16-ounce cans and on tap. —

Jordyn Noennig, Journal Sentinel, 13 Nov. 2024 Place sliced sweet potatoes, cinnamon stick, and star anise in bottom of a 13- x 9-inch baking dish. —

Dale Gray, Southern Living, 6 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for star anise