It's easy to recognize anise star pods: They usually look like an eight-pointed star. This fruit of a tree in magnolia family native to China and Vietnam produces tough-skinned, rust-colored fruits that are picked and dried before ripening. Anise star pods are hotter, more pungent, more bitter, and much more __licorice-like__ than the European anise. Anise star pods are used in Chinese __red__ cooking, where foods are cooked for a long time in soy sauce. The herb is used to flavor __marbled eggs__ and many Asian soups, in Thai iced tea, and in Peking duck. Anise star pods are also chewed after a meal as a traditional __breath mint__ and carminative. **Allergen Advice** (Jalpur products are packed and produced in a mill that handles wheat, gluten, nuts, peanuts, mustard, sesame and soya)-All products will be shipped from the UK