One of the most beautiful spices available, star anise, is used in adding a decorative touch to any food preparation. But that's not all. It also adds its distinctive delicate fragrance to any dish to which it is added. Although not native to India, star anise probably found its way into India through the Silk Route from China, which means it has been here for ages!

Star anise is the star-shaped fruit of an evergreen tree found in China and Vietnam, and hence this spice is used extensively in Chinese and Vietnamese cooking. It is also an essential ingredient in Chinese five-spice powder. Dried star anise is mahogany in colour. It is hard and has eight hollow, boat shaped petals, which form a perfect star, which makes it ideal for decorations. Each point of the star contains a shiny seed. Star anise is often confused with aniseed. Although the two spices are similar in flavour, but the aroma of star anise is more pronounced.

The Chinese claim that the addition of star anise greatly improves the flavour of roast chicken and use it only on special occasions. Typical of Chinese, they also add it to their tea. Star anise can be added to pork, duck, chicken, stir-fried vegetables, long simmered dishes to give them that special flavour. In India, however, star anise is added to rice dishes like biryani and pulao and also to succulent meat.

Star anise is almost always sold dried and whole though it is also available ground or broken. You can store star anise for up to a year. And here�s the good news � this Asian spice marries wonderfully with the richest of Western cuisines too.