Star Anise contains an essential oil that imparts a strong, sweet and licorice-like flavor. The star-shaped pods are picked just before ripening and dried before use. They come from a fruit of a small evergreen tree native of southwest China. Star Anise is used to flavor tea, marinades, and soups and is used in many Asian and Chinese dishes. Weight may vary slightly. Product is a little more than 1 cup of spice.