Star Anise comes from the Illcium verum tree, native to Southeast Asia. Often seen as an inexpensive substitute for true anise in cooking, the distinctive star shaped fruits contain the aroma molecule anethole, responsible for the anise flavor.In gins, it can be hard to tell which type of anise you’re tasting. The effect is very similar, as both anise and star anise impart a “anise” like flavor.
