Anise Seed vs. Star Anise: How to Use Anise Seed vs. Star Anise

Anise seed (Pimpinella anisum), also known as anise or aniseed, is a spice native to the Eastern Mediterranean and Southwest Asian regions. It was likely first cultivated by Egyptian growers. The seeds are actually the dried oblong schizocarps of the anise plant. Anise flavor profiles are often compared to star anise, fennel, and tarragon. Due to the anethole oil found in anise (also known as anise camphor), it's often associated with licorice flavor; anise extract is the main ingredient used to produce the candy flavoring.

Star anise is the dried, star-shaped pericarps and seed pods of the Chinese star anise plant (Illicium verum), an evergreen tree native to Vietnam and Southwest China. It contains anethole, which is also found in fennel seeds, anise seed, and magnolia; it gives star anise a similar licorice taste. Take care not to confuse the Chinese star anise with the Japanese star anise, which contains high levels of toxins.

Anise seed and star anise come from two entirely different plants with origins in different parts of the world. Both do have similar flavor profiles because they share the essential oil anethole, though star anise is considered more bitter and herbaceous. Anise seeds are smaller dried schizocarp seeds that are about an eighth- to a quarter-inch long, whereas star anise is preserved as a whole dried pericarp that is about an inch long.

Anise seed is commonly used in sweet dishes or candy due to its licorice flavor profile. It's also used in more savory foods—especially Italian sausage. Liqueurs like ouzo, Pernod, chartreuse, and anisette use anise seed as the main flavoring ingredient.

Star anise has just as wide a variety of uses and is a staple spice in lots of Chinese cuisines. It's the main ingredient in what is known in the U.S. as Chinese five-spice powder, as well as the spice blend garam masala. It's used to flavor teas and liqueurs like pastis, sambuca, and absinthe. Its licorice-like flavor makes it popular to use in pastry recipes and other baked goods. Star anise is also used in more savory dishes and soups like pho broth and Indian cuisine dishes like biryani.

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