China Star Anise A spectacular looking spice, with an amazing flavour. It has a natural sweet flavour and is a huge part of oriental cuisine. Star anise is shaped like an eight-pointed star and contains seeds with an aniseed flavour, which comes from the spice's essential oil, anethole. It is used widely in Chinese cooking and is one of the five spices in Chinese five-spice powder. Star anise has natural antiviral qualities and is great as a tea when feeling under the weather. Add Star anise to slow cooked pulled pork for an impressive flavour. It has a natural sweet taste that can be used in puddings as well as savoury dishes.