The Spice Journal, Star Anise, art 1

Culinary Uses

Star anise is a spice made from the fruit of an evergreen tree and is native to Northern China and Vietnam and is used in a lot in these cuisines. However it has many more applications. It is intensely aromatic and when used correctly can impart a profound sweetness and licorice-like flavor to sweet and savory dishes. 

It often is added whole to soups, stews and broths such as the broth for Vietnamese Pho. It goes particularly well with high-fat meats including pork as well as goose, and duck. Chinese five spice powder — in which star anise plays a starring role — is often used in dishes containing these meats. Its flavor cuts through their fattiness.