Anise seed is a lovely spice that can add a wonderful aroma and flavor to your cooking. Anise seed can be used in whole or ground form to add an aromatic licorice flavor to recipes. Star anise is commonly used in its whole form to flavor teas, marinades, soups, broths, and other liquids. ATTENTION: If a glitter looking substance is present and melts upon touch, it is the crystallization of star anise's anethole oil. This may be more common during colder weather.