Star Anise

Sweet with licorice underneath, and a warming, faintly numbing feel in the mouth. Star anise is a whole different plant from anise seed despite the shared flavor, and it's considerably stronger: one pod flavors a whole pot.

Ingredients: Star anise.

Try it in: pho and Asian broths, braised pork and beef, mulled wine and cider, poached pears, and five-spice blends. Add whole and remove before serving.