Anise oil, Star, China

   The aroma is intensely sweet and is erroneously described as licorice-like. Though Anise oils are used to flavor licorice products they have nothing in common with pure licorice root or extract. Experts describe the flavors of the two materials as "widely different."

  Star Anise comes from the fruit of a native Southeastern Asian tree, Illicum Verum. Both wild and cultivated trees are used. It is commonly distilled in Vietnam.