Chinese star anise - do you grind only the seeds or the whole pod?!

Question: I add the whole pod. That way, as the meat stew cooks, I keep tasting and remove the pod when the stew reaches my desired spiciness.

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Answers: I add the whole pod. That way, as the meat stew cooks, I keep tasting and remove the pod when the stew reaches my desired spiciness.

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Grind the whole star for best flavor, in a sturdy mortar and pestle, grind the whole star anise pods until fine. Alternately you can use an electric coffee/spice grinder to finely grind star anise.

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Or just add it whole as a flavor enhancer, like a bay leaf and remove before serving.

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Just add the star anise while cooking as grinding it can overpower the other flavors in your dish.

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