Star Anise is native to Southern China and Vietnam and has an intense liquorice flavour/perfume and is the key ingredient of Chinese Five Spice. It is extensively used in Asian dishes and goes well with braised pork, duck, poultry and beef. Whole star anise are generally added to recipes during the cooking process and then removed prior to serving. Star anise is used in Chinese "red" cooking with cassia where the ingredients are simmered in a dark soy broth (Master Stock).