Illicium verum

Star anise

Pale liquorice, fennel, a temple.

Where it comes from. Southern China. In Italy it is the secret of certain broths and a mulled wine that does not taste of pharmacy.

The mistake everyone makes. Simmering it for an hour. Ten minutes of infusion is enough; longer turns medicinal.

An unexpected Italian use. In saffron broth, in poached pears, in an infusion for duck.

The recipe. Williams pears, white wine, one star, honey. Served cold with mascarpone.

Open the recipe Check availability