Star anise tree (took this photo in Vietnam)
Young star anise pod. The eight-pointed star shaped seed pod of the magnolia tree. Had a strong, aromatic sweet liquorice aroma. The pod is always sold in its dried form. One of the five spices in the 5 spice powder, used in curry powder, in braising or stewing meat/poultry dishes, an important ingredient for the Vietnamese beef noodle (pho) soup.
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