Chakraful- Star Anise

Star anise is a distinctive and aromatic spice that is widely used in various cuisines around the world. Here's a breakdown of what it is:   

Origin:
It comes from the fruit of the Chinese evergreen tree Illicium verum, which is native to China and Vietnam.   
Appearance:
It's named for its star-shaped pods, which typically have eight points.   
Flavor:
It has a strong, sweet, and licorice-like flavor.   
Uses:
It's a common ingredient in:
Chinese cuisine, particularly in the "five-spice" powder.   
Vietnamese pho.   
Indian cuisine, in dishes like biryanis and garam masala.