Using anise seed instead of star anise

I have wanted to make Vietnamese pho bo for a while, and a simple recipe I found calls for 6 star anise. I couldn't find this, and instead bought some anise seed since I read anise seed is used as a substitute for it, sometimes. I'm wondering if a) the anise seed will work for pho and if so, b) how much anise seed should be added when the recipe called for 6 star anise?

Thanks!

Best Answer

I asked a few friends, and one linked me this website:

http://www.foodsubs.com/SpiceUniv.html

It says 1 tsp. of seeds for every 2 star anise (crushed).

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Quick Answer about "Using anise seed instead of star anise"

Anise seeds. The two plants are not related, but both have a similar black licorice finish to the flavor. Use this substitution ratio: For 1 whole star anise, use ½ teaspoon anise seeds.

Can you use anise seed instead of star anise in mulled wine?

Star anise (shaped like a star, hence its name) is generally sweet with a mild and fragrant licorice flavor. The closest one you could get to a substitute would be anise seed or fennel seeds as they are in the same category of licorice-like flavored spices.

Is anise and star anise the same thing?

Despite its name, star anise is not the same thing as aniseed. (You can learn all about aniseed here.) It's actually the fruit of a small evergreen tree in the magnolia family (Illicium verum). The green fruit is picked before it can ripen and it's dried until it resembles a hard, nut-brown seed.

Anise Seed vs Star Anise: What is the Difference?

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